open water
noun
plural open waters
: water that is clear of obstacles to passage or view : water that is open (see open entry 1 sense 7a)
The word marsh conjures up a mental picture of a soggy, flat area filled with cattails and other herbaceous vegetation, with ducks sitting on patches of open water.—
Robert H. Mohlenbrock
Robert H. Mohlenbrock
often, specifically
: water that is free of ice
When the river froze in the fall, a mile of open water had been left between two mighty jams. —Jack London
Jack London Polynyas were areas of persistent open water, found throughout the circumpolar arctic, places kept ice-free by currents and wind patterns. —David R. Masiel
David R. Masiel Because the penguins feed in the ocean, they typically set up colonies near open water and must establish new nests when the coastline becomes covered in … ice. —Science News
Science News Examples of open water in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Their location directly across the street still promises awe-inspiring views of the open water and endless chances for making family memories.
—Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
Never plunge alone or in open water without supervision.
—Sara Braun, Kansas City Star, 30 Dec. 2025
Miller noted freighters are typically the only vessels on open waters during this time of year.
—Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 29 Dec. 2025
There's been no official comment from China, no declaration of operational status (demonstrator, proof-of-concept or otherwise), and no evidence that the ship has ever sailed the open waters in this configuration.
—New Atlas, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for open water
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Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
Never plunge alone or in open water without supervision.
—Sara Braun, Kansas City Star, 30 Dec. 2025
Miller noted freighters are typically the only vessels on open waters during this time of year.
—Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 29 Dec. 2025
There's been no official comment from China, no declaration of operational status (demonstrator, proof-of-concept or otherwise), and no evidence that the ship has ever sailed the open waters in this configuration.
—New Atlas, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for open water
Cite this Entry
“Open water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20water. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
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