Definition of 'watershed'

Word Frequency

watershed

(wɔːtəʳʃed )

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.

Synonyms: turning point, defining moment, pivotal moment, tipping point More Synonyms of watershed

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

A watershed is an area of high ground which divides two or more river systems, so that all streams on one side flow into one river and those on the other side flow into a different river.

[technical]

Word Frequency

watershed in British

(ˈwɔːtəˌʃɛd )

noun

the dividing line between two adjacent river systems, such as a ridge

an important period or factor that serves as a dividing line

Word Frequency

watershed in American

(ˈwɔtərˌʃɛd ; wôtˈərshedˌ)

noun

a ridge or stretch of high land dividing the areas drained by different rivers or river systems

2. US

the area drained by a river or river system

a crucial turning point affecting action, opinion, etc.

Example sentences containing 'watershed'

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`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? Isabel Wolff RESCUING ROSE (2002)The decision to pursue a collaborative tone rather than to press for the seizure of birds was a very significant watershed. Tony Juniper 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. Innes, Hammond HIGH STAND (2002)

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Trends of 'watershed'

In Common Usage. watershed is one of the 10000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

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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

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Nearby words of 'watershed'

Source

Definition of watershed from the Collins English Dictionary

Types of noun

Nouns can be classified according to what they refer to. Nouns that are really names are called proper nouns. Proper nouns usually refer to a particular named person or thing. They include: the na...