tap water

American  

noun

1. water, obtained directly from a faucet or tap, that has not been purified, distilled, or otherwise treated.

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tap water British  

noun

1. water drawn off through taps from pipes in a house, as distinguished from distilled water, mineral water, etc

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Etymology

Origin of tap water

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tap water

Like most inhabitants of the village of Szada, 25 kilometres northwest of Budapest, their home has been without tap water for almost two days.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

Some areas get less than an hour of tap water a day.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026

Italy's highest court has ruled a five-star Dolomites hotel was acting lawfully when it refused to provide tap water to a tourist.

From BBC ● May 27, 2026

The installation of lead service lines was banned nationwide in 1986, but millions of homes still receive tap water through them.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2026

I try not to notice when he rinses the jug with tap water.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan