water table

noun

1
: a stringcourse or similar member when projecting so as to throw off water
2
: the upper limit of the portion of the ground wholly saturated with water

Examples of water table in a Sentence

Heavy rainfall has caused the water table to rise.
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.
Whichever the case, the substance usually doesn't have a chance to release all of its nutrients before it either leaches down into the water table, or evaporates up into the atmosphere. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2025 This digestate can be used to fertilize crops but contains high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus that can bleed into the local water table if overapplied to crops. Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 When excavating a massive pit, mining operations often hit groundwater, potentially exposing the area's water table (and local drinking water) to contamination. Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 1 Dec. 2024 Weather-sensing timers and low-flow sprinkler heads save more than 50 percent of irrigation water compared to the previous system, and rainwater captured at the spa building is infiltrated back into the soil to help maintain the water table. Pat Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for water table

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Water table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20table. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

water table

noun
: the upper limit of the portion of the ground completely soaked with water

More from Merriam-Webster on water table

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