waterway

[ waw-ter-wey, wot-er- ]

noun

1. a river, canal, or other body of water serving as a route or way of travel or transport.
2. Shipbuilding. (in a steel or iron vessel) a depressed gutter at the edge of the deck inside the bulwarks, used especially when the decking is wooden.
3. a channel for vessels, as a fairway in a harbor.

waterway

/ ˈwɔːtəˌweɪ /

noun

1. a river, canal, or other navigable channel used as a means of travel or transport

Word History and Origins

Origin of waterway¹

before 950; Middle English; Old English wæterweg. See water, way ¹

Example Sentences

The Royal Academy of Engineering has recently called for an upgrade of the UK's sewage system and more widespread testing of the country's waterways.

From BBC

Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy acknowledged drawbacks to use of retardant, including harm to aquatic life if it spills into waterways.

From Los Angeles Times

The Spanish weather agency has advised people in areas on orange alert to stay away from ravines and waterways, even though they may be dry, because of the risk that they become flooded.

From BBC

Then in April 1995, Lindsay's body was found a mile out of the town centre in the Rochdale Canal by two council workers clearing debris from the waterway.

From BBC

Native to rivers and creeks in China and Southeast Asia, the bivalves have appeared in waterways elsewhere in Asia as well as South American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• artery
• avenue
• boulevard
• causeway
• expressway
• freeway
• highway
• lane
• street