waterworks

American  

[waw-ter-wurks, wot-er-] / ˈwɔ tərˌwɜrks, ˈwɒt ər- /

noun

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) a complete system of reservoirs, pipelines, conduits, etc., by which water is collected, purified, stored, and pumped to urban users.

2. (used with a singular verb) a pumping station or a purifying station of such a system.

3. (usually used with a plural verb) Sometimes waterwork a spectacular display of water, mechanically produced, as for a pageant.

4. (used with a singular or plural verb) tears, or the source of tears.

   to turn on the waterworks.

5. Slang. the kidneys.

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waterworks British  

/ ˈwɔːtəˌwɜːks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) an establishment for storing, purifying, and distributing water for community supply

2. (functioning as plural) a display of water in movement, as in fountains

3. informal (functioning as plural) the urinary system, esp with reference to its normal functioning

   he has trouble with his waterworks

4. informal (functioning as plural) crying; tears

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waterworks Idioms  

1. see turn on the waterworks.

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• waterworks
  plural

Etymology

Origin of waterworks

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; water + works ( def. ) (in the sense “manufacturing establishment”)

Example Sentences

Music has charms to soothe the savage beast, and it also has a wonderful power of taking the temper out of the grocer and the painter and the mahout of the waterwork's gasoline engine.

From Homeburg Memories by Fitch, George

Related Words

• water system