waterway

noun

wa·​ter·​way ˈwȯ-tər-ˌwā 

ˈwä-

1

: a way or channel for water

2

: a navigable body of water

Synonyms

• aqueduct
• canal
• channel
• conduit
• course
• flume
• racecourse
• raceway
• watercourse

Examples of waterway in a Sentence

the Erie Canal was superseded by a much larger waterway, the New York State Barge Canal

Recent Examples on the Web

To protect ecosystems, the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior require planes to avoid dropping fire retardant within 300 feet of waterways (ground deliveries must also avoid waterways). —Terry Dickerson, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025

Residents will learn more about helping to protect our waterways by being water wise and understanding Volusia County’s fertilizer ordinance. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2025

Trump’s claims that China is controlling the canal appear to be based on the fact that Chinese companies do have a stake in the waterway. —Carla Martinez MacHain, The Conversation, 13 Jan. 2025

Cape Coral and Fort Lauderdale are both centered around waterway transportation too. —Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

waterway

noun

wa·​ter·​way ˈwȯt-ər-ˌwā 

ˈwät-

1

: a channel for water

2

: a body of water through which ships can travel