headwaters

[ hed-waw-terz, -wot-erz ]

plural noun

1. Sometimes headwater. the upper tributaries of a river.

headwaters

/ ˈhɛdˌwɔːtəz /

plural noun

1. the tributary streams of a river in the area in which it rises; headstreams

Word History and Origins

Origin of headwaters¹

1525–35; head + waters, plural of water

Example Sentences

“But not only for us. It really serves as a headwaters of California.”

From Los Angeles Times

Lindley and other scientists said in a 2007 report that wildfires in the headwaters of Mill and Deer creeks, as well as Butte Creek, pose a significant threat to spring-run Chinook.

From Los Angeles Times

"The issue is slowly propagating from small headwaters into bigger rivers over time," he said.

From Science Daily

Some pilgrims were embarking Sunday from the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.

From Seattle Times

“An oil spill in the Colorado River headwaters would be catastrophic.”

From Seattle Times