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water company

water company

3 1.9
A company that provides water to homes and businesses in an area
  • noun
  • /ˈwɔːtər ˈkʌmpəni/
translation icon : compañía de agua
  • The water company is responsible for ensuring that the tap water is safe to drink.
  • a local water company

Like I extorted a water company.

Examples

  • If you have any issues with your supply, you should contact your water company for assistance.

  • I received a notice from the water company about scheduled maintenance in our area.

  • I thought you worked at the water company.

  • I shall call the gas company, or the water company.

  • For several years, our water company was owned by a large German corporation.

    Blog text (12)
  • Even when initial regulation is present, the water company and its customers always face the risk of additional regulation.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The water company has strong incentives to set initial offers that will be accepted.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Water industry reports do indicate that the water companies are very quick to respond to such emergency situations.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Water companies tend to act on the side of safety when public health matters are of concern.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Knowing this in advance, the water company might be reluctant to conclude certain kinds of contracts with potential water buyers.

    Academic text (1998)

Synonyms

utility
vswater company
217 3.3

A service that supplies water, gas, or electricity to homes

refers to the provider that specifically supplies water in a local area
public utility
vswater company
  • Specialized
8 3.2

An organization that provides essential services like water or electricity and is regulated by the government

serves mainly to supply water locally rather than many public services
waterworks
vswater company
1 3.5

A place or system that collects, cleans, and supplies water to people

is an organization responsible for supplying water rather than the physical infrastructure
public utility company
vswater company
  • Specialized
2.9

A company that supplies water, electricity, or gas and is run under government rules

focuses specifically on supplying water to local homes and businesses

How Big

water company
3 1.9

Surface Forms

water company singular

Morphology

water + company

The meaning 'a company that supplies water' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'water' (the substance/service) with 'company' (an organization providing goods/services). This noun–noun compound follows a common and regular compositional pattern found across many languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

The compound water company comes from the simple idea of a company that brings or sends water to people, first by barrels and carts and later through pipes. So a water company is a business that 'supplies' water to homes and shops.