waterworks
Americannoun
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(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.
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(used with a singular verb) a pumping station or a purifying station of such a system.
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(usually used with a plural verb) Sometimes waterwork a spectacular display of water, mechanically produced, as for a pageant.
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(used with a singular or plural verb) tears, or the source of tears.
to turn on the waterworks.
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Slang. the kidneys.
noun
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(functioning as singular) an establishment for storing, purifying, and distributing water for community supply
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(functioning as plural) a display of water in movement, as in fountains
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informal (functioning as plural) the urinary system, esp with reference to its normal functioning
he has trouble with his waterworks
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informal (functioning as plural) crying; tears
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of waterworks
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; water + works ( def. ) (in the sense “manufacturing establishment”)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The whole number of persons engaged in the waterworks' service of all Great Britain is under 1000.
From Knowledge is Power: A View of the Productive Forces of Modern Society and the Results of Labor, Capital and Skill. by Knight, Charles
“But you step forrard, sir, and lets get out o’ this here waterworks’ pipe.”
From Fire Island Being the Adventures of Uncertain Naturalists in an Unknown Track by Fenn, George Manville
Slime from the moss-grown stones was on Wilhelmine's dress, and deep red marks of rust from the waterworks' lever had stained the breast of her gown where she had pressed on the bar.
From A German Pompadour Being the Extraordinary History of Wilhelmine van Grävenitz, Landhofmeisterin of Wirtemberg by Hay, Marie, Hon. (Agnes Blanche Marie)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
