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.
Even when drought classifications improve, deeper soil moisture and groundwater supplies can take longer to recover. — Gregory Padgett, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 With multiple functions, the shafts drew fresh air down into the multi-level complexes, and also continued below the lowest floor, reaching groundwater and serving as deep wells. — Maya Chawla, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026 Nebraska’s 2026 Water Quality and Quantity Task Force identified the need to reduce nitrate concentrations in groundwater and protect our water resources for the long term. — Jesse E. Stanley, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 This water often comes from municipal supplies or groundwater—the same sources that provide drinking water to local communities. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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

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