headwater

noun

head·​wa·​ter ˈhed-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce headwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
Synonyms of headwaternext
: the source of a stream
—usually used in plural

Synonyms of headwater

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Examples of headwater in a Sentence

the first exploration of the Missouri River from its mouth to its headwaters was made by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in the early 1800s
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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.
While the river’s headwaters are near Salem, most of the outfitters are located in Steelville. — Kelsey Yandura, Midwest Living, 17 June 2026 The headwaters of the Yadkin River were not located in the area of heaviest rainfall and the threat for flooding has ended there. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2026 Lake Assinica in the Broadback headwaters has attracted world-wide attention for its giant squaretails the past two years. — Marc Terziev, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2026 These burn areas create barriers around villages, headwaters and sensitive sites, protecting them from wildfires during peak drought. — ABC News, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for headwater

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of headwater was in 1612

Rhymes for headwater

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Browse Nearby Words

headwark
headwater
headway
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Cite this Entry

“Headwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headwater. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

headwater

noun
head·​wa·​ter -ˌwȯt-ər How to pronounce headwater (audio)
-ˌwät-
: the beginning and upper part of a stream
—usually used in plural
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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