groundwater

American  

[ground-waw-ter, -woter] / ˈgraʊndˌwɔ tər, -ˌwɒtər /

Also ground water

noun

1. the water beneath the surface of the ground, consisting largely of surface water that has seeped down: the source of water in springs and wells.

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groundwater Scientific  

/ ground′wô′tər /

1. Water that collects or flows beneath the Earth's surface, filling the porous spaces in soil, sediment, and rocks. Groundwater originates from rain and from melting snow and ice and is the source of water for aquifers, springs, and wells. The upper surface of groundwater is the water table.

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groundwater Cultural  

1. Water that seeps through the soil or rocks underground.

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Discover More

Groundwater can be contaminated by chemical pollutants. (See water pollution.)

Groundwater is a source of drinking and spring water for many communities.

Etymology

Origin of groundwater

First recorded in 1885–90; ground ¹ ( def. ) + water ( def. )

Example Sentences

Groundwater is ubiquitous across the globe, but its quality and depth vary, as does its potential to be replenished by rainfall.

From Salon • Jul. 28, 2025

Groundwater originates as rainfall and is naturally stored beneath the surface in the pore spaces and fractures in rocks.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2025

In California, for example, the state is gradually implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which sets goals for local agencies to curb overdraft by 2040.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2024

"Groundwater is challenging to manage because it is hidden below ground and poorly understood," said William Jaeger, a professor of applied economics at Oregon State.

From Science Daily • Nov. 20, 2024

Groundwater Replenishment Project, was approved last month by the city’s Board of Water and Power Commissioners.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2024