white water

American  

noun

1. frothy water, as in whitecaps and rapids.

2. light-colored seawater over a shoal, sandy bottom, etc.

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white water British  

noun

1. a stretch of water with a broken foamy surface, as in rapids

2. light-coloured sea water, esp over shoals or shallows

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Etymology

Origin of white water

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

"You can just see loads of white water, and then tuna fins and tuna jumping out."

From BBC

White water rafting, kayaking and canoeing: The Trinity River, a 203-mile tributary of the Klamath River, starts in the Trinity Alps and features calm waters and multiple classes of white water.

From Los Angeles Times

The river — a popular spot for white water rafting around this time of the year — is fast-moving and dangerous.

From Los Angeles Times

What unfolds after the ramp-drop is dynamic disorder - a confused kaleidoscope of brightly coloured boats powered by paddles brandished frantically, tearing through unforgiving white water.

From BBC

She said: "It's all white water running round there. It's like a river."

From BBC