waterworks

plural noun

wa·​ter·​works ˈwȯ-tər-ˌwərks 

ˈwä-

1

: the system of reservoirs, channels, mains, and pumping and purifying equipment by which a water supply is obtained and distributed (as to a city)

2

: an ornamental fountain or cascade

3

: the shedding of tears : tears

Examples of waterworks in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adding to the waterworks, Kerr also wept as the credits rolled. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 1 Sep. 2025

The borough of Emmaus, which is home to about 12,000 people just outside Allentown, Pennsylvania, reported several wells over EPA limits – most notably at its waterworks building, where PFOS averaged 32 times over the limit. —Austin Fast, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025

Live With Kelly & Mark kicked off with some waterworks from producer Michael Gelman. —EW.com, 15 July 2025

Clauson-Kaas is chief consultant for the Copenhagen waterworks utility HOFOR, which is overseeing the construction of the tunnel. —Rob Schmitz, NPR, 13 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing waterworks

• turn on the waterworks

Rhymes for waterworks

• ironworks
• masterworks
• artworks
• breastworks
• brickworks
• earthworks
• fireworks
• frameworks
• gasworks
• glassworks
• headworks
• networks

Kids Definition

waterworks

plural noun

wa·​ter·​works ˈwȯt-ər-ˌwərks 

ˈwät-

: a system of reservoirs, pumps, and pipes for supplying water (as to a city)