Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

waterworks

American  
[waw-ter-wurks, wot-er-] / ˈwɔ tərˌwɜrks, ˈwɒt ər- /

noun

plural

waterworks

  1. (used with a singular or plural verb) a complete system of reservoirs, pipelines, conduits, etc., by which water is collected, purified, stored, and pumped to urban users.

  2. (used with a singular verb) a pumping station or a purifying station of such a system.

  3. (usually used with a plural verb) Sometimes waterwork a spectacular display of water, mechanically produced, as for a pageant.

  4. (used with a singular or plural verb) tears, or the source of tears.

    to turn on the waterworks.

  5. Slang. the kidneys.

waterworks British  
/ ˈwɔːtəˌwɜːks /

noun

  1. (functioning as singular) an establishment for storing, purifying, and distributing water for community supply

  2. (functioning as plural) a display of water in movement, as in fountains

  3. informal (functioning as plural) the urinary system, esp with reference to its normal functioning

    he has trouble with his waterworks

  4. informal (functioning as plural) crying; tears

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
waterworks Idioms  

  1. see turn on the waterworks.

Etymology

Origin of waterworks

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; water + works ( def. ) (in the sense “manufacturing establishment”)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

From there, it's north, past the Waterworks, as well as through the city centre, before ending in Ormeau Park.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

The “oversized” primary suite features a “five-fixture bathroom complete with Crema Luna limestone floors and tops, Waterworks fixtures and teak cabinetry.”

From MarketWatch • Nov. 28, 2025

Water advisories also have been issued by Los Angeles Department of Water & Power for the Palisades area and for Los Angeles County Waterworks District 29 in Malibu.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2025

If it had been in place when I developed UV Waterworks, that invention might still be just an academic curiosity, and never been commercialized improving health outcomes for millions of people in need.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2024

While the giant engines at the Waterworks were being taken apart piece by piece and examined for damage, temporary sources of power were sought.

From "The Great Fire" by Jim Murphy

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.