floodwater

[fluhd-waw-ter, -wot-er]

noun

1. the water that overflows as the result of a flood.

Word History and Origins

Origin of floodwater¹

First recorded in 1785–95; flood + water

Example Sentences

When the floodwater came rushing down from the mountain, Awa and her husband tried to get to their car – but it was already too late.

From BBC

Officials had expected it would take the floodwater two hours to reach inhabited areas downstream and only people living near the river would be affected.

From BBC

These boats have saved more than 32,000 people who were trapped by floodwater, the Reuters news agency reports, citing local officials.

From BBC

But, ABC News reported, Kerr County officials did not notify residents until nearly six hours later, after hundreds of people had been engulfed in floodwater.

From BBC

The cars were hit by fast-rising floodwater from an adjacent creek.

From Salon