waterworks

plural noun

wa·​ter·​works ˈwȯ-tər-ˌwərks 

ˈwä-

1

: the system of reservoirs, channels, mains, and pumping and purifying equipment by which a water supply is obtained and distributed (as to a city)

2

: an ornamental fountain or cascade

3

: the shedding of tears : tears

Examples of waterworks in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, the idea of watching on from the sidelines as his team-mates played in his beloved Champions League was enough to start the waterworks. —Elias Burke, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024

Ilario is broken up about Walden’s death, but Damon doesn’t oversell the waterworks. —Will Leitch, Vulture, 9 Aug. 2024

Sure enough, the climactic sequence of the Wachowski sisters’ live-action adaptation of the ’60s anime series still gets the waterworks going. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2024

The move may have been of lasting benefit for the financial system, but the city was left having to find another way to fund the expansion of its waterworks. —James E. Nickum, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2010

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing waterworks

• turn on the waterworks

Kids Definition

waterworks

plural noun

wa·​ter·​works ˈwȯt-ər-ˌwərks 

ˈwät-

: a system of reservoirs, pumps, and pipes for supplying water (as to a city)