waterworks
[ waw-ter-wurks, wot-er- ]
/ ˈwɔ tərˌwɜrks, ˈwɒt ər- /
noun, plural wa·ter·works.
(used with a singular or plural verb)
a complete system of reservoirs, pipelines, conduits, etc., by which water is collected, purified, stored, and pumped to urban users.
(used with a singular verb)
a pumping station or a purifying station of such a system.
(usually used with a plural verb) Sometimes waterwork.
a spectacular display of water, mechanically produced, as for a pageant.
(used with a singular or plural verb) Slang.
tears, or the source of tears: to turn on the waterworks.
Slang.
the kidneys.
Origin of waterworks
1400–50; late Middle English; see
water,
works
Words nearby waterworks
watervliet,
waterward,
waterway,
waterweed,
waterwheel,
waterworks,
waterworn,
watery,
watford,
watkins,
watkins glen
Example sentences from the Web for waterworks
British Dictionary definitions for waterworks
waterworks
/ (ˈwɔːtəˌwɜːks) /
noun
(functioning as singular)
an establishment for storing, purifying, and distributing water for community supply
(functioning as plural)
a display of water in movement, as in fountains
(functioning as plural) British informal, euphemistic
the urinary system, esp with reference to its normal functioning
he has trouble with his waterworks
(functioning as plural) informal
crying; tears
Idioms and Phrases with waterworks
waterworks
see turn on the waterworks.