watershed

C1 Topic:Education & Learning

Also spelled water-shed

US /ˈwɔtɚʃɛd/ UK /ˈwɔːtəʃɛd/ See IPA manual

Freq #40894

Meanings

1

noun
an event marking a unique or important historical change of course or one on which important developments depend

The agreement was a watershed in the history of both nations.
2

noun
A critical point marking a change in course or development.

In the minds of many, 1847 was a watershed year during which Ceres, Pallas, Juno, Vesta, and Astraea were reclassified as asteroids.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · an event marking a unique... turning point

2 noun · a critical point marking a... crossroadsturning point

Word family

Derived forms culturesheddriveshedfibershedfoodshedlaborshedmegashedmilkshedproblemshedsubwatershedviewshedwalkshedwatershedding

Etymology

From water + shed. A calque of German Wasserscheide.

Topics

Education & Learning Word Formation & Derivatives Register & Style

External links

markdown