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.

Example Sentences

An 18th Century waterworks in Clerkenwell is being transformed into the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, which was previously based in King's Cross under a different name.

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The way these people’s tough talk turns into waterworks at the slightest provocation, you’d think they were the ski slopes of Mt.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The efficacy of Deen’s waterworks will depend on how much the viewer is willing to buy.

Read more on Salon

With tourism accounting for more than 90% of the island’s economy, local authorities are seeking government approval to expand the airport, ferry transportation, waterworks, electricity network and roads.

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When I ask them what they learned from each other near the end of our hour-long conversation, the waterworks hit.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• water system