Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

ditchwater

American  
[dich-waw-ter, -wot-er] / ˈdɪtʃˌwɔ tər, -ˌwɒt ər /

noun

  1. water, especially stagnant and dirty water, that has collected in a ditch.


idioms

  1. dull as ditchwater. dishwater.

ditchwater British  
/ ˈdɪtʃˌwɔːtə /

noun

  1. stagnant water

  2. extremely uninspiring

"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

Etymology

Origin of ditchwater

1275–1325; Middle English. See ditch, water

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.

See Examples For:

Even to many people well versed in British politics "treaty change" makes ditchwater look alluring by comparison.

From BBC Dec. 3, 2014

Why I thought this programme would be great, I don't know: sporting types are lovely to look at, inspirational when performing, but – mostly – as dull as ditchwater.

From The Guardian Jul. 21, 2012

Some of the shots have overwhelming power; some are dull as ditchwater.

From Time Magazine Archive

Last week's meeting, however, was more hot air than steam, more dull ditchwater than racing current.

From Time Magazine Archive

And now he would have to sit in the blind with ditchwater soaking into the seat of his pants.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training