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.

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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

The waterwheel, says Kidney, who along with Jody Daily is working on a book inspired by Disney’s “Swiss Family Robinson” film, was a key piece of Disneyland lore.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2023

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

From Washington Post • Aug. 26, 2022

As a thought exercise, take a look at the waterwheel in the pictures above.

From The Verge • Jun. 18, 2022

A chunk of ceiling collapsed and crushed a waterwheel.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan