plural watersheds
1
: a time when an important change happens
—usually singular
The protests mark a watershed [=turning point] in the history of the country.
—often used before another nouna watershed moment/year/event
2
a
: a line of hills or mountains from which rivers drain : a ridge between two rivers
b
chiefly US
: the area of land that includes a particular river or lake and all the rivers, streams, etc., that flow into it
the Connecticut River watershed
3
British
: the time of day after which television programs not appropriate for children may be broadcast
The show will not air until after the nine o'clock watershed.
Cite this Entry
“Watershed.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/watershed. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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