Word
watershed
Phoneticswa·ter·shed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɑtɝˌʃɛd/
UK/wˈɔːtəʃˌɛd/
Definitions
01a turning point
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. an event or period of time that marks a major change in how something develops.
n. a critical turning point or milestone in time that marks a significant change in course or development.
“The discovery of penicillin was a watershed moment in the history of modern medicine.”
“The signing of the peace treaty represented a watershed in international relations, fundamentally altering the geopolitical landscape for the next decade.”
Synonyms
02television boundary
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English
n. the time of day (usually late at night) after which TV channels can show programs for adults.
n. the time limit after which broadcasters may transmit content unsuitable for children, such as violence or profanity.
“The movie contains too much violence to be shown before the nine o'clock watershed.”
“Broadcasters are strictly regulated to ensure that graphic content is only aired after the watershed to protect younger audiences.”
Usage
Usually used with the definite article 'the'.
Teaching tip
This sense is very common in the UK and Ireland; American English speakers usually refer to 'safe harbor' hours instead.
Synonyms
03geographical area
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. an area of land where all the water flows into one specific river or lake.
n. a topographical region or drainage basin within which all surface water converges to a single point.
“Pollution in the upper watershed can affect the water quality of the entire river system.”
“Environmental scientists studied the local watershed to determine how agricultural runoff was impacting the health of the estuary.”
04marking a change
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. describing an event that is very important and changes history.
adj. serving to mark a significant development or a definitive change in direction.
“The invention of the internet was a watershed moment for human communication.”
“The court's ruling was seen as a watershed decision that would redefine privacy rights for the digital age.”
Usage
Almost always used before a noun, most commonly in the phrase 'watershed moment'.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“His death became a watershed moment in rap history.” “But the year 1923 has been recognized as a watershed for sardine fishing in the region.” “Hockney created many artworks featuring Geldzahler, but the double portrait was a “watershed painting,” the curator told the Washington Post in 1979.” Etymology
From water + shed. A calque of German Wasserscheide.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/watershed