watershed

watershed / watershed / watershed

Noun

pl: watersheds

In a figurative sense, this term describes a definitive break from the past, evoking the image of a dividing line where everything changes. It is typically used in historical, political, or scientific contexts to highlight a moment of no return or a paradigm shift. Geographically, the term refers to the physical boundary or the entire drainage area. It carries a technical connotation in environmental science and hydrology, focusing on the movement of water across a landscape.

Meanings

Nounwatershed

An event or period that marks a turning point in a situation, typically one that leads to a significant change.

"The discovery of penicillin was a watershed moment in medical history."

Nounwatershed

An area of land where all the water that falls in it drains off into a common outlet such as a river or bay.

"The government is implementing new regulations to protect the watershed from industrial pollution."

Nounwatershed

A ridge of high land that divides two river basins.

"The hikers climbed the watershed before descending into the neighboring valley."

Last Updated: June 18, 2026•Report an Error