groundwater

noun

ground·​wa·​ter ˈgrau̇nd-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce groundwater (audio)
-ˌwä-
: water within the earth especially that supplies wells and springs

Examples of groundwater in a Sentence

There were concerns about contaminated groundwater.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This has included pumping water from the Sea of Galilee, activating groundwater wells and using national water reserves. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 Shallow groundwater stores supported fruit orchards, alfalfa fields, livestock ranches and, at one point, a water park and dozens of manmade lakes where people could fish, sail and water ski. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Overfertilization is a common problem that has far-reaching adverse environmental effects, from groundwater contamination to degradation of waterways. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026 Gilbert had plans to rebuild its largest water treatment plant and install a network of eight wells to help draw groundwater as part of its strategy to weather a future with less Colorado River water. — Alex Hager, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for groundwater

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of groundwater was circa 1889

Rhymes for groundwater

See All Rhymes for groundwater

Browse Nearby Words

groundward
groundwater
groundwater level
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Groundwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundwater. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

groundwater

noun
ground·​wa·​ter ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwȯt-ər How to pronounce groundwater (audio)
-ˌdwät-
: water within the earth that supplies wells and springs

More from Merriam-Webster on groundwater

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about groundwater

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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