first water

American  

noun

1. (formerly) the highest degree of fineness in a diamond or other precious stone.

2. the finest quality; highest rank.

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first water British  

noun

1. the finest quality of diamond or other precious stone

2. the highest grade or best quality

3. the most extreme kind

   a fool of the first water

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Etymology

Origin of first water

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

Lee converted and it was 7-7 at the first water break after 20 minutes where Wales players used ice hats and towels to cool themselves.

From BBC • Jul. 5, 2025

The federal government declared the Colorado River’s first water shortage in 2021.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2025

The turning point came in the 1970s with the Clean Water Act, which introduced some of the first water pollution regulations.

From Slate • May 26, 2025

Tritium levels in the surrounding waters since the initial discharge have met pre-determined standards, according to tests conducted by Tepco, and no issues have been identified with the first water release, Matsumoto said.

From Reuters • Oct. 5, 2023

He felt confident enough with the lullaby and the first water monster song, which he discovered allowed him to move water around like he was telepathic.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young