Definition of 'watershed'
Word forms: plural watersheds
1. countable noun [usually singular]
If something such as an event is a watershed in the history or development of something, it is very important because it represents the beginning of a new stage in it.
The election of Mary Robinson in 1990 was a watershed in Irish politics. [+ in]
That performance is still cited by many fans as a watershed moment.
2. countable noun
The watershed is a time before which television broadcasters have agreed not to show programmes unsuitable for children, for example programmes that contain scenes of sex or violence.
[British] Bad language before the watershed is widely resented.
The advert should only be shown after the 9pm watershed.
3. countable noun
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
noun
2. US
the area drained by a river or river system
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Example sentences containing 'watershed'
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.
Read more…
`Think Rose, they used to say that life begins at forty, so why don't you make that the watershed to make your life start again? RESCUING ROSE (2002)The decision to pursue a collaborative tone rather than to press for the seizure of birds was a very significant watershed. SPIX'S MACAW: THE RACE TO SAVE THE WORLD'S RAREST BIRD (2002)"We had reached the watershed then and were looking down towards Ice Cold and the skeletal shape of the screening plant. HIGH STAND (2002)
Word Lists
Trends of 'watershed'
In Common Usage. watershed is one of the 10000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary
View usage for:
Translations for 'watershed'
British English: watershed NOUN
If something such as an event is a watershed in the history or development of something, it is very important because it represents the beginning of a new stage in it.
Her election was a watershed in the country's politics.
- American English: watershed
- Brazilian Portuguese: momento crítico
- Chinese: 分水岭
- European Spanish: momento crítico
- French: tournant
- German: Wendepunkt
- Italian: spartiacque
- Japanese: 決定的な分かれ目
- Korean: 분수령
- European Portuguese: momento crítico
- Spanish: momento crítico
Nearby words of 'watershed'
Source
Definition of watershed from the
Collins English Dictionary
Fed up with the great British weather? Here’s how to afford that dream summer escape
From planning early to knowing where to look, these top tips will help you fulfil your summer holiday desires
Read more
The etymology behind 4 eggs-ellent Springtime words
We’ve explored the diverse etymology of 4 eggs-ellent words associated with spring.
Read more
Up Lit, Alexa Laugh & Meet Me at McDonald’s Hair: March’s Words In The News
Catch up on the latest words in the news this March with Robert Groves.
Read more
Join the Collins community
All the latest wordy news, linguistic insights, offers and competitions every month.
Read more