tap water

noun

: water as it comes from a tap (as in a home)

Examples of tap water in a Sentence

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.
Residents and businesses in South Fulton, Fairburn, Union City, Chattahoochee Hills and Palmetto can use tap water without boiling it after Atlanta officials lifted the boil water advisory Wednesday morning. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 Descaling solution is an acidic liquid that reacts with—and therefore breaks down—alkaline mineral build ups that happen over time wherever tap water sits or flows. — Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026 The attorneys said detainees have complained about going three to seven hours without water, and about having access only to tap water that tastes like metal and smells like fish. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 The amoeba, which can also be found in pools and tap water, doesn’t cause illness when swallowed; however, infections can happen if infected water goes up the nose, allowing the amoeba to pass into the brain, per the NCDHHS. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tap water

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tap water was in 1881

Rhymes for tap water

See All Rhymes for tap water

Browse Nearby Words

Tapuya
tap water
tap wrench
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tap water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tap%20water. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tap water

noun
: water as it comes from a tap (as in a home)
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