waterwheel

American  

[waw-ter-hweel, -weel, wot-er-] / ˈwɔ tərˌʰwil, -ˌwil, ˈwɒt ər- /

Or water wheel

noun

1. a wheel or turbine turned by the weight or momentum of water and used to operate machinery.

2. a wheel with buckets for raising or drawing water, as a noria.

3. the paddle wheel of a steamboat.

---

Etymology

Origin of waterwheel

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at water, wheel

Explanation

A waterwheel is an old-fashioned machine that harnesses the energy of falling water. The power generated by a waterwheel was once commonly used in gristmills, where grain is ground into flour. Most waterwheels are large wooden circles sitting upright like a Ferris wheel. Buckets or blades around the wheel catch the water from a river or pond, and the wheel turns as the water flows from blade to blade. The rotation of the waterwheel is what generates the energy. After the invention of turbines in the 19th century, most waterwheels became obsolete. At one time, though, they powered mines, wood pulp mills, and much more.

Example Sentences

These produce renewable electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water with a turbine, pump, or waterwheel.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

But Disney took molds from the original waterwheel to create the new one, wanting the Adventureland Treehouse to truly hark back to the park’s past.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2023

There is a saltwater infinity pool, a hot tub and a koi pond with a waterwheel.

From Washington Post • Aug. 26, 2022

A waterwheel geared to a grindstone so the baker can grind flour for his bread.

From The Verge • Jun. 18, 2022

Sam was opening the mill sluice to start the waterwheel for Bando, now a busy father.

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George