high-water

1 of 2

adjective

high-wa·​ter ˈhī-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce high-water (audio)
-ˌwä-
: unusually short
high-water pants

high water

2 of 2

noun

: a high stage of the water in a river or lake
also : high tide sense 1

Examples of high-water in a Sentence

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.
Adjective
Unfortunately, there seems to be a clear link between Murphy’s uptick in production and his ability to hit those high-water marks. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026 The film has hit many box office high-water-marks, but that’s also been the case on the review side. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
Residents posted videos on social media that showed vehicles stranded in high water, a power pole being toppled by rushing water and flooded intersections. — Nbc News, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026 In Indianapolis, flooding from the White River peaked early Sunday morning, with high water levels expected to hold for a few hours before beginning to recede, according to the city's Department of Public Works. — CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for high-water

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1856, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for high-water

See All Rhymes for high-water

Browse Nearby Words

high-warp
high-water
high water
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“High-water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high-water. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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