watercourse

American  

[waw-ter-kawrs, -kohrs, wot-er-] / ˈwɔ tərˌkɔrs, -ˌkoʊrs, ˈwɒt ər- /

noun

1. a stream of water, as a river or brook.

2. the bed of a stream that flows only seasonally.

3. a natural channel conveying water.

4. a channel or canal made for the conveyance of water.

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watercourse British  

/ ˈwɔːtəˌkɔːs /

noun

1. a stream, river, or canal

2. the channel, bed, or route along which this flows

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Etymology

Origin of watercourse

First recorded in 1500–10; water + course

Example Sentences

"Any confirmed unauthorised activity is assessed for potential harm to the watercourse and surrounding environment, and enforcement action will be taken where appropriate."

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2025

The company was ordered to pay more than £900,000 last month after polluting a watercourse with millions of litres of chlorinated water, causing the death of hundreds of fish.

From BBC • Aug. 5, 2025

Some advocates have suggested restoring Mexico City’s last remaining natural watercourse, the Magdalena River, but that would have to contend with pollution along the river’s entire length from its source west of the capital.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2023

The no-nonsense explorer said this with a matter-of-fact confidence, and it took a moment to realize which watercourse he was referencing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2023

The road was more like a watercourse than a highway.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman