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Synonyms

high water

American  

noun

  1. water at its greatest elevation, as in a river.

  2. high tide.


high water British  

noun

  1. another name for high tide

  2. the state of any stretch of water at its highest level, as during a flood

"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 high water

First recorded in 1545–55

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:

The centers require intense cooling, which often demands high water and power use and creates the potential to affect the environment and to pass on utility costs to consumers.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 6, 2026

While he believes this prevented airborne contamination, he is unsure if it would have stopped contamination into the Earth due to the high water table linked to the tides.

From BBC Aug. 25, 2026

"It's important to stay hydrated and not eat too much. So we focus on foods with high water content, like fruit, and on limiting calorie intake."

From Barron's Jun. 19, 2026

Economists said May’s reading, which was in line with expectations, is likely to be the high water mark in the recent run-up in inflation from this year’s energy-price shock.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 10, 2026

He said it made him happy as a clam at high water to know I had a new friend.

From "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech

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