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

Four years later in Italy, the waterworks went again, as those infernal penalty kicks tripped us up against West Germany in the semifinal. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

As the Valparaiso City Council voted Tuesday for a waterworks revenue bond not to exceed $10 million, the city’s utility director said the new investments will not increase water rates. — Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026

More than 100 years ago, the cooling pool of a former waterworks and power plant was converted into a swimming pool for the public. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 28 May 2026

And who doesn’t like snarky waterworks? — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026

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)