first water

noun

1. (formerly) the highest degree of fineness in a diamond or other precious stone. Compare water ( def 12 ).
2. the finest quality; highest rank.

first water

noun

1. the finest quality of diamond or other precious stone
2. the highest grade or best quality
3. the most extreme kind

   a fool of the first water

Word History and Origins

Origin of first water¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

County Board of Supervisors has adopted the county’s first water plan, which outlines how the region must stop importing 60% of its water by 2045.

From Los Angeles Times

Culver City-based Cove aims for a December pilot launch of what it calls the first water bottle made entirely from biodegradable materials.

From Los Angeles Times

Chila is key because the first waters that give rise to the Amazon River, the longest and mightiest in the world, descend from the glacier.

From Seattle Times

Tritium levels in the surrounding waters since the initial discharge have met pre-determined standards, according to tests conducted by Tepco, and no issues have been identified with the first water release, Matsumoto said.

From Reuters

It’s scheduled to deliver its first water as soon as 2028, and later reach full capacity in 2032, treating 150 million gallons a day, enough to supply about half a million homes.

From Los Angeles Times