waterway

noun

wa·​ter·​way ˈwȯ-tər-ˌwā How to pronounce waterway (audio)
ˈwä-
1
: a way or channel for water
2
: a navigable body of water

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the Erie Canal was superseded by a much larger waterway, the New York State Barge Canal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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
State biologists are now working with their counterparts in neighboring Washington and at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to learn whether other Chinese mitten crabs are lurking in the waterway. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025 These social species are sensitive to water pollution and will disappear from areas with high human populations if the waterways are compromised, Oregon Zoo said, which is why they are considered rare outside the region. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 2 May 2025 Small fragments of rhizomes the size of a fingernail can float along in streams or be transported in soil, thus spreading infestations to new sites along waterways. Martha Proctor, Mercury News, 1 May 2025 Recreational vessels can use the waterway free of charge. Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for waterway

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of waterway was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Waterway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterway. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

waterway

noun
wa·​ter·​way ˈwȯt-ər-ˌwā How to pronounce waterway (audio)
ˈwät-
1
: a channel for water
2
: a body of water through which ships can travel

More from Merriam-Webster on waterway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!