waterworks

[waw-ter-wurks, wot-er-]

noun

plural

waterworks 

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.

waterworks

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of waterworks¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

see turn on the waterworks.

Related Words

• water system