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

The close-to-tears tone in Jack's voice and Mr. Peterson (Edmund Kearney) forcing him to continue reading are enough to get the waterworks going. —Jen Juneau, People.com, 24 May 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

The waterworks had a backup water source, the Des Moines River. —Dave Hage, Literary Hub, 27 May 2025

But sometime in the 1980s, biochemists working for the waterworks began to detect something wrong with the river. —Dave Hage, Literary Hub, 27 May 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)