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.
Our team determined that lakes persisted for millions of years before the climate became arid and sand dunes overtook the lakes, although groundwater occasionally breached the surface to produce streams that wove among the dunes. — Ashwin R. Vasavada, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Scientists could use future gravity instruments to track shifting groundwater and melting ice. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 Even without rising temperatures caused by the use of fossil fuels, heavy water use is putting major strain on the West’s rivers, streams and groundwater aquifers, Williams said. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 As a result, lake levels, stream flows and groundwater levels are low. — Ubah Ali, CBS News, 25 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 1 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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