watershed

Pluralwatersheds

1. 1
   river basinnounCanadaUScountable

   An area of land where rain and streams flow down into one river, lake, or sea.

   Our town is in the watershed of a big river.

   Planting trees helps keep the water clean across the watershed.

   UsageSome countries call this area a catchment.

   Similarcatchment

   Note
2. 2
   a turning pointnounfigurativelycountable

   An important moment when things start to change in a big way.

   Getting her first job was a watershed in her life.

   The new law was a watershed for workers' rights.

   UsageSay a watershed in your life.

   Similarcrossroads

   Note
3. 3
   adjective

   Marking an important change or a big step forward.

   Winning the cup was a watershed moment for the small club.

   The year we moved to the city was a watershed year for our family.

   UsageSay a watershed moment for a big change.

   Similarpivotal, momentous, decisive, historic

   Oppositeinsignificant

4. 4
   dividing ridgenounAustraliaIrelandNew ZealandUKcountable

   A dividing line, often along a ridge, between areas whose water flows into different rivers or seas.

   We walked along the watershed, with streams running down on both sides.

   On the far side of the watershed, the rivers flow west to the sea.

   UsageAlso called a divide.

   Similardivide

   Note
5. 5
   TV time limitnounBritishCanadauncountable

   The time of day after which TV and radio may show things that are not for children.

   The film will be shown after the watershed because of its bad language.

   Before the watershed, programmes have to be suitable for children.

   UsageSay after the watershed.

   Note

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