headwaters

[ hed-waw-terz, -wot-erz ]

plural noun

1. Sometimes headwater. the upper tributaries of a river.

headwaters

/ ˈhɛdˌwɔːtəz /

plural noun

1. the tributary streams of a river in the area in which it rises; headstreams

Word History and Origins

Origin of headwaters¹

1525–35; head + waters, plural of water

Example Sentences

Picture this: soldiers from a foreign army are stationed near the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

From The Daily Beast

The headwaters of the Sele have been tapped for the great aqueduct for the Apulian provinces.

From Project Gutenberg

Following the east shore of the river, they came to the mouth of the creek whose headwaters Mr. Bradford had explored.

From Project Gutenberg

I hastily ran over the contour of the country we had passed through, and saw that indeed the spring must be its headwaters.

From Project Gutenberg

These are open to occupancy for such purposes and have the advantage of being on streams whose headwaters are protected.

From Project Gutenberg

Carson joined a party numbering about fifty who intended to trap near the headwaters of the Missouri.

From Project Gutenberg