floodwater

noun

flood·​wa·​ter ˈfləd-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce floodwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
: the water of a flood

Examples of floodwater 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.
Thick, brown floodwaters Areas of southern Utah, southwest Colorado, and the northern parts of Arizona and New Mexico were drenched with rain leading to rapidly rising floodwaters, Thursday and Friday. — Ava Berger, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026 Authorities were assessing who else needed help, including many whose homes weren't flooded but were cut off by floodwaters. — Mead Gruver, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026 In June 2023, floodwaters swamped the city after the Kakhovka Dam collapsed in an explosion that an Associated Press investigation found was likely caused by the Russian military. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Reddish-brown floodwater lapped into and around 80 homes in a neighborhood and 50 recreational vehicles in an RV park. — Mead Gruver, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for floodwater

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of floodwater was in 1791

Rhymes for floodwater

See All Rhymes for floodwater

Browse Nearby Words

floodwall
floodwater
floodway
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Floodwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/floodwater. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

floodwater

noun
flood·​wa·​ter ˈfləd-ˌwȯt-ər How to pronounce floodwater (audio)
-ˌwät-
: the water of a flood
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