cold-water

1 of 2

adjective

cold-wa·​ter ˈkōld-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce cold-water (audio)
-ˌwä-
: having only running water without heat or utility services provided
a cold-water flat

cold water

2 of 2

noun

: depreciation of something as being ill-advised, unwarranted, or worthless
threw cold water on our hopes

Examples of cold-water in a Sentence

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.
Adjective
It can be washed in a cold-water delicate cycle, too, for easy maintenance. — Emma Ashe, The Spruce, 22 June 2026 Our Rustin Dodd spoke with an expert about the effects and tested some now-trendy cold-water practices out himself. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Noun
Place the sausages in a large skillet or saucepan and add enough cold water to just cover them. — Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2026 Drink a glass of cold water before bed and keep another close by. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cold-water

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1942, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1808, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cold-water was in 1808

Rhymes for cold-water

See All Rhymes for cold-water

Browse Nearby Words

cold warrior
cold-water
cold water
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cold-water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold-water. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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