white water
Americannoun
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frothy water, as in whitecaps and rapids.
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light-colored seawater over a shoal, sandy bottom, etc.
noun
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a stretch of water with a broken foamy surface, as in rapids
-
light-coloured sea water, esp over shoals or shallows
Etymology
Origin of white water
First recorded in 1580–90
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.
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 ● Jun. 10, 2025
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 ● Jul. 20, 2024
They typically appear as darker, narrow gaps of water between areas of breaking waves and white water.
From New York Times ● Jun. 30, 2023
You’ll walk next to churning, frothing white water.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 28, 2023
Zooming past the white water and onto the vein of ore, they sighted the ruins just as the sky was beginning to change.
From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld
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