waterway

noun

wa·​ter·​way ˈwȯ-tər-ˌwā 

ˈwä-

1

: a way or channel for water

2

: a navigable body of water

Synonyms of waterway

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the Erie Canal was superseded by a much larger waterway, the New York State Barge Canal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

Before the war, around 20% of global oil production flowed through the waterway. —Lou Robinson, CNN Money, 19 June 2026

Tehran’s demand that its effective control over the waterway be formally recognized—even without transit tolls—creates conditions for future incidents. —Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 19 June 2026

If all goes well, the Army Corps of Engineers will adopt this new strategy and apply it to other waterways nationwide. —Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 19 June 2026

When the waterway reopens today — assuming the US-Iran deal holds — many will exhale and celebrate the crisis’ end. —Clay Chandler, semafor.com, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for waterway

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• 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