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

Elphaba and Glinda's epic story wraps up in the sequel to last year's Wicked — and get ready for the waterworks in the movie's namesake, friendship-defining musical number. —Ew Staff November 21, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Nov. 2025

Why are there so many movies coming out from now through the end of the year that are guaranteed to crank up the waterworks? —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 Nov. 2025

So, what was the twist that elicited all these waterworks? —Andy Swift, TVLine, 8 Oct. 2025

The waterworks forced the cancellation of that night’s Cal Ripken Sr. —David K. Li, NBC news, 1 Oct. 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)