water glass

American  

Or waterglass

noun

1. a drinking glass; tumbler.

2. a glass container for holding water, as for growing bulbs, plants, or the like.

3. a glass tube used to indicate water level, as in a boiler.

4. a device for observing objects beneath the surface of the water, consisting essentially of an open tube or box with a glass bottom.

5. sodium silicate.

---

water glass British  

noun

1. a viscous syrupy solution of sodium silicate in water: used as a protective coating for cement and a preservative, esp for eggs

2. another name for water clock water gauge

---

Etymology

Origin of water glass

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

On his way, he spots a stray napkin and a water glass out of place.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2025

These connections, called neuromuscular junctions, are how the brain signals muscles to contract, allowing us to pick up a water glass, jog to the mailbox or hoist a toddler into a car seat.

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2023

The water glass is highlighted in a circle that has been edited into the footage.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 23, 2023

Before I sang, I pulled my usual, crystal water glass out of the cupboard, plus one for Nancy; but instead of filling it with water, I poured orange Pedialyte into both.

From Salon • Nov. 28, 2022

Thaya Jaan doesn’t eat much but smiles at me tenderly and fills up my water glass.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan