# waterworks

/ˈwɔtɝˌwɝks/ (US) · /wˈɔːtəwˌɜːks/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/waterworks
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

a funny way to say that someone is crying. It is a light-hearted or slightly rude way to describe someone getting emotional.

For teachers: a humorous or informal reference to the act of crying. Often used in a lighthearted or teasing manner to describe an emotional response.

## Examples

- The sad movie really got the waterworks going.
- He tried to stay tough during the ceremony, but the waterworks started when the old song played.
- While the rest of the team remained stoic, the waterworks began as soon as the manager mentioned the long-term project's success.

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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.