waterway crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! Below, you'll find all possible answers for the clue "waterway crossword clue", categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword knowledge.
Solutions for "waterway crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CANAL: An artificial channel for water, often used for navigation, irrigation, or drainage. A man-made waterway connecting bodies of water or facilitating transport.
RIVER: A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river. A primary natural waterway on land.
CREEK: A small narrow natural stream or river. Often smaller than a river, a less prominent natural waterway.
6 Letters
STREAM: A small, narrow river. Can refer to both natural flowing water or an artificial current.
STRAIT: A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two large areas of water. A natural, often strategic, navigable waterway.
7 Letters
CHANNEL: A wide strait or waterway between two landmasses that lie close to each other, or a course dug for a water flow. Can be natural or dredged.
8 Letters
AQUEDUCT: An artificial channel for conveying water, typically in the form of a bridge across a valley or gap. Historic and modern structures for water supply.
11 Letters
WATERCOURSE: A natural or artificial channel through which water flows, such as a river, canal, or stream. A general term encompassing many types of waterways.
More About "waterway crossword clue"
The clue "waterway" is a classic in crosswords, referring to any body of water that can be navigated or through which water flows. This can encompass a broad range of geographical features, from vast oceans and seas to small creeks and ditches. However, in the context of crosswords, it typically narrows down to specific types of navigable or flowing water channels. The challenge often lies in distinguishing between natural waterways like rivers and streams, and artificial ones such as canals or aqueducts, based on other accompanying clues.
Understanding the different types of waterways is crucial for solving these clues efficiently. For instance, a "canal" often implies human construction and perhaps a role in transportation or irrigation, whereas a "river" suggests a natural, winding path. Sometimes, the clue might point to a specific part of a waterway, like a "lock" on a canal, or a specific geological feature like a "strait" connecting larger bodies of water. Always consider the precise wording of the clue and the number of letters required to pinpoint the correct answer.
Our comprehensive list aims to cover the most common, and some less common, answers associated with "waterway," ensuring you have all the options at your fingertips. By providing explanations for each term, we hope to not only give you the answer but also enhance your general knowledge, making you a more formidable crossword solver.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Letter Count: The first and most important step for any crossword clue. Knowing the exact number of letters immediately filters out many possibilities for "waterway."
- Look for Context Clues: Does the puzzle provide any additional words or phrases that hint at the waterway's nature (e.g., "man-made," "natural flow," "ship route")? These can differentiate between similar answers like CANAL and RIVER.
- Consider Plural vs. Singular: Sometimes a slight variation, like "waterways" instead of "waterway," changes the expected answer (e.g., from RIVER to RIVERS). Always check for pluralization.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. These are often the quickest way to confirm or rule out a potential "waterway" answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of answers does 'waterway' typically suggest in crosswords?
The clue 'waterway' often points to a natural or artificial channel for water. Common answers include natural formations like RIVER, STREAM, CREEK, or STRAIT, as well as man-made constructions such as CANAL or AQUEDUCT. The length of the answer is key to narrowing it down.
How can I distinguish between similar waterway answers like 'river' and 'canal'?
The distinction often lies in whether the waterway is natural or artificial. 'RIVER' is always natural, while 'CANAL' is always man-made. Look for other clues in the puzzle that might hint at human construction (e.g., 'dug,' 'man-made,' 'engineering feat') versus natural flow (e.g., 'flows,' 'winding,' 'natural path').
Are there any less common 'waterway' answers to consider?
Yes, beyond the most common, consider words like 'LOCK' (a section of a canal), 'FJORD' (a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high, steep cliffs), 'ESTUARY' (the tidal mouth of a large river), or the more general term 'WATERCOURSE'. The surrounding letters and the puzzle's theme can often guide you to these less obvious solutions.