waterway

noun

wa·​ter·​way ˈwȯ-tər-ˌwā 

ˈwä-

1

: a way or channel for water

2

: a navigable body of water

Synonyms

• canal
• aqueduct

Examples of waterway in a Sentence

the Erie Canal was superseded by a much larger waterway, the New York State Barge Canal

Recent Examples on the Web

The decision to close the waterway now rests with the country's national security council, and its possibility has raised the specter of higher energy prices and aggravated geopolitical tensions, with Washington calling upon Beijing to prevent the strait's closure. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 23 June 2025

Twenty percent of global oil production flows through the Strait of Hormuz, and experts say closing the waterway would affect Iran’s economy significantly, as oil is one of the country’s largest exports. —Nino Paoli, Fortune, 23 June 2025

Marine traffic data reveal some tankers avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that Iran is threatening to shut down. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025

However, any Iranian retaliation that includes closing the waterway would likely be difficult to execute. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for waterway

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

waterway

noun

wa·​ter·​way ˈwȯt-ər-ˌwā 

ˈwät-

1

: a channel for water

2

: a body of water through which ships can travel