groundwater

American  

[ground-waw-ter, -woter] / ˈgraʊndˌwɔ tər, -ˌwɒtər /

Also ground water

noun

1. the water beneath the surface of the ground, consisting largely of surface water that has seeped down: the source of water in springs and wells.

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groundwater Scientific  

/ ground′wô′tər /

1. Water that collects or flows beneath the Earth's surface, filling the porous spaces in soil, sediment, and rocks. Groundwater originates from rain and from melting snow and ice and is the source of water for aquifers, springs, and wells. The upper surface of groundwater is the water table.

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groundwater Cultural  

1. Water that seeps through the soil or rocks underground.

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Discover More

Groundwater can be contaminated by chemical pollutants. (See water pollution.)

Groundwater is a source of drinking and spring water for many communities.

Etymology

Origin of groundwater

First recorded in 1885–90; ground ¹ ( def. ) + water ( def. )

Example Sentences

Groundwater levels and reservoir stocks across much of the UK have risen significantly over recent weeks.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

Groundwater in these communities is contaminated with salt and naturally occurring radioactive elements.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

Nemati called the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act crucial to combating land subsidence.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2025

"Groundwater is challenging to manage because it is hidden below ground and poorly understood," said William Jaeger, a professor of applied economics at Oregon State.

From Science Daily • Nov. 20, 2024

In the meantime, Orange County moved ahead to develop its Groundwater Replenishment System, the world’s largest project of its kind, which is now recycling 130 million gallons of water a day.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2024