white water

noun

variants or whitewater
Synonyms of white waternext
: turbulent, frothy water (as in breakers, rapids, or falls)
… it's New England's toughest stretch of … white water, a maze of boulders and narrow channels.Michael D. Burke
… he chased whitewater in some of North America's most remote corners …Mark Bechtel
When seized by white water, the idea is to swim for the bottom (if you can tell which way that is), pray to stay relaxed and conserve your air …Kenny Moore
white water rafting
a whitewater outfitter
white-water paddlers

Examples of white water in a Sentence

The canoe got caught in white water.
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.
One of many great trout streams that wind through this state, which is really a destination for fly fishing, white water boating — river recreation is huge here in Colorado. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 10 June 2026 Whistler is also home to over 31 miles of alpine hiking trails, four championship golf courses, four lakes for water sports, three rivers for white water rafting, as well as the famed Peak 2 Peak gondola. Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026 The contrast between the peaceful upper river and the white water of the gorge below is incredible. Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026 The captain noted currents, white water, and a significant amount of ice and debris near the edges of the fjord. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for white water

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of white water was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“White water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20water. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

white water

noun
: rough foamy water (as in rapids or waterfalls)

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