First recorded in 1900–05; from white water
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Each summer, thousands of people boat, kayak or float on inner tubes on the river, which boasts whitewater areas as well as trout and salmon fisheries.
From BBC • Jul. 20, 2025
Boaters say if water diversions were significantly reduced, there could be whitewater rafting on this part of the river for up to two months longer each year.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2025
If you have seen snowboard cross at the Winter Olympics then – yes, that, except in whitewater.
From BBC • Jul. 24, 2024
Anyone who hesitated or made even the slightest mistake charging out through the whitewater would get slammed.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2024
We watch the whitewater churn at the edge of the reef as we drive past Dillingham Airfield.
From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
