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Definition of waterwheel

waterwheel

/ˈwɔːtərˌwiːl/
wa · ter · wheel
Plural:waterwheels
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waterwheel Lexical Profile

waterwheel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large wheel driven by flowing or falling water, used to generate mechanical power for operating machinery such as a mill.

Example

"The old gristmill on the river was historically powered by a massive wooden waterwheel."

2

A machine for raising water to a higher level, typically consisting of a wheel with buckets attached to its rim.

Example

"Ancient civilizations often utilized a waterwheel to lift water from the river into their complex irrigation canals."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for waterwheel

• Nearby Words

waterthrush
watertown
waterville
waterwheel
watsonia
watt
wattle-eye

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'waterwhel', a compound of 'water' and 'wheel'. Originating in antiquity, these devices were widely used throughout the Middle Ages to power mills and early industrial machinery.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Waterwheel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/waterwheel
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