# groundwater

/ˈɡɹaʊndˌwɑtɝ/ (US) · /ɡɹˈaʊndwɔːtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/groundwater
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

water that is found deep under the earth's surface in the soil or between rocks. It is a major source of fresh water for wells and springs.

For teachers: water held underground in the soil or in pores and crevices in rock. It serves as a critical reservoir for the hydrological cycle and human consumption.

## Examples

- Many farmers rely on groundwater to water their crops.
- The local government is monitoring the groundwater levels to ensure the town's wells do not run dry during the summer.
- Industrial runoff can seep through the topsoil and contaminate the groundwater, leading to long-term environmental damage that is both difficult and expensive to remediate.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.