watershed

noun
UK: /ˈwɔːtəʃed/
US: /ˈwɔːtərʃed/

  1. An area of land that catches rain and snow, and drains into a marsh, stream, river, lake, or groundwater.

    1. The river's watershed is vital for local water supplies.
    2. Protecting the entire watershed is crucial for maintaining water quality and preventing floods.

  2. An event or period that is important because it represents a big change or a new stage in development.

    1. The election was a watershed moment in the country's history.
    2. The discovery of penicillin was a watershed event in the history of medicine, saving countless lives.

Synonyms

divide milestone catchment area critical point turning point
watershed adjective

  1. Separating or marking a critical turning point or change in direction.

    1. This was a watershed decision for the company's future.
    2. The company faced a watershed moment, forcing them to rethink their entire strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "watershed" in English means: An area of land that catches rain and snow, and drains into a marsh, stream, river, lake, or groundwater., An event or period that is important because it represents a big change or a new stage in development..

The phonetic transcription of "watershed" is /ˈwɔːtəʃed/ in British English and /ˈwɔːtərʃed/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "watershed": divide, milestone, catchment area, critical point, turning point.

Example usage of "watershed": "The river's watershed is vital for local water supplies.". More examples on the page.