waterway

noun

wa·​ter·​way ˈwȯ-tər-ˌwā How to pronounce waterway (audio)
ˈwä-
Synonyms of waterwaynext
1
: a way or channel for water
2
: a navigable body of water

Synonyms of waterway

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Examples of waterway in a Sentence

the Erie Canal was superseded by a much larger waterway, the New York State Barge Canal
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Part of the property lies in the Mary’s Creek floodplain, and nearby homeowners feared the development would worsen flooding on their side of the waterway. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026 The vital waterway carried about one-fifth of the world's energy supplies, and has seen traffic plummet to single-digit daily passings since the war started in late February. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026 During droughts, algae blooms have turned waterways bright green. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 The United States has put up its own military effort to secure Gulf waterways focused on escorting vessels through Omani waters and actively defending commercial shippers from daily Iranian attacks. — Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for waterway

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of waterway was in the 14th century

Rhymes for waterway

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Browse Nearby Words

water-waved
waterway
waterweed
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Cite this Entry

“Waterway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterway. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

waterway

noun
wa·​ter·​way ˈwȯt-ər-ˌwā How to pronounce waterway (audio)
ˈwät-
1
: a channel for water
2
: a body of water through which ships can travel

More from Merriam-Webster on waterway

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about waterway

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