white water

noun

1. frothy water, as in whitecaps and rapids.
2. light-colored seawater over a shoal, sandy bottom, etc.

white water

noun

1. a stretch of water with a broken foamy surface, as in rapids
2. light-coloured sea water, esp over shoals or shallows

Word History and Origins

Origin of white water¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

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

Moves like the turtle roll or duck dive — techniques that help you push your board through the white water — can help.

From Los Angeles Times

"There was just an eruption of white water and it was evident that the dolphins had picked up on the porpoise's presence basically as soon as it entered the bay," said Mr Pedley.

From BBC

They typically appear as darker, narrow gaps of water between areas of breaking waves and white water.

From New York Times