cold-wa·ter
ˈkōld-ˌwȯ-tər 
-ˌwä-
: having only running water without heat or utility services provided
a cold-water flat
: depreciation of something as being ill-advised, unwarranted, or worthless
threw cold water on our hopes
Examples of cold-water in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
These retreats have been designed around the island’s five unique seasons (springrise being the fifth) and include mindful cold-water immersions in the Baltic, aquatic movement sessions, and, of course, sauna rituals.
—Jen Murphy, Outside, 1 Feb. 2026
Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026
Knead the butter under cold water until the water runs clear.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cold-water
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Adjective
Can’t bear the shock of a cold-water splash?
—Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
These retreats have been designed around the island’s five unique seasons (springrise being the fifth) and include mindful cold-water immersions in the Baltic, aquatic movement sessions, and, of course, sauna rituals.
—Jen Murphy, Outside, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
Johnson maintains the slimmest of majorities in the House, and Democrats have already poured cold water on the idea.
—Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026
Knead the butter under cold water until the water runs clear.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cold-water
Cite this Entry
“Cold-water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold-water. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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