Meaning & use
waterworks
Last updated
A system of reservoirs, pumps, and pipes that supplies water to a city or region.
See it in a sentence
The town's waterworks was upgraded to handle the growing population.
Engineers inspected the waterworks after the main pipe burst.
A note on using this word
Informally, "waterworks" is also a humorous term for a bout of tears or for the urinary system.
Words with a similar meaning
water system
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
An informal term for a sudden bout of crying
The moment she saw the puppy, the waterworks began.
3. noun
An informal term for the urinary system
The doctor asked about his waterworks during the checkup.
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