watershed
/ˈwɔːtəʃed/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈwɔːtərʃed/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈwȯ-tər-ˌshed ˈwä-/ (ame, mw)
watershed — noun
- watershedsingular
- watershedsplural
1. a moment or happening that causes a lasting shift in how things develop, so that
a moment or happening that causes a lasting shift in how things develop, so that the situation afterwards is fundamentally different from before.
The peace agreement was a watershed in the region's troubled history.
watershed + in + something — signals a context or field being transformed
For Lan, graduating from university marked a watershed that opened new career paths.
Many economists see the 2008 financial crisis as a watershed for global banking regulations.
The invention of the smartphone was a watershed moment in communication technology.
Nellie described the court ruling as a watershed in the fight for environmental justice.
- turning point
more common in everyday speech; emphasises a change of direction rather than a permanent before/after divide
- milestone
focuses on progress and achievement along a path, not necessarily a dramatic shift
- landmark
emphasises that the event is notable and historic, but does not imply a complete break with the past
文法句型
watershed + in + noun phrase
watershed + for + noun phrase
watershed moment/event
用法筆記
Often used with the verb 'mark' or 'represent'. Frequently followed by 'in' to name the area of life or history that changed.
常見錯誤
2. a ridge or line of high ground that separates two different river systems, causi
a ridge or line of high ground that separates two different river systems, causing water to flow in opposite directions on each side.
The Continental Divide is the best-known watershed in North America.
the watershed — definite article is standard
Hikers reached the watershed and saw streams flowing toward two different oceans.
Selim explained that the small hill acted as a watershed between the two valleys.
Rain falling on the eastern side of the watershed flows into the Atlantic.
The mountain range creates a natural watershed that separates two drainage systems.
文法句型
the + watershed + between + noun phrase + and + noun phrase
用法筆記
Common in geography textbooks and hiking contexts. The definite article 'the' is almost always used before 'watershed' in this sense.
3. in the United Kingdom, the time at 9 p.m. after which television broadcasters ar
in the United Kingdom, the time at 9 p.m. after which television broadcasters are permitted to show programmes containing content unsuitable for children.
The documentary contained strong language and aired after the watershed.
after the watershed — signals UK TV timing rule
Baraka's children were asleep by 8:30, well before the watershed.
before the watershed — opposite timing
Viewers complained about a violent advertisement shown before the watershed.
The broadcaster delayed the film until after the watershed to avoid offending younger viewers.
British television channels usually place adult comedy shows after the watershed.
- watershed hour
less common but used in official broadcasting guidelines
文法句型
after/before the watershed
past the watershed
the + watershed
用法筆記
This meaning is specific to the United Kingdom and is almost always used with the definite article: 'the watershed'. The most common prepositions are 'before' and 'after'.
常見錯誤
4. all the land that collects rain and directs it into one particular river, lake,
all the land that collects rain and directs it into one particular river, lake, or sea.
The Amazon watershed covers millions of square kilometres across South America.
[proper noun] + watershed — naming a specific drainage basin
Pollution from factories upstream affects the entire watershed downstream.
Mauricio's research focused on the health of the local watershed and its wildlife.
Farmers in the watershed were asked to limit their water use during the drought.
The government created new rules to protect the watershed from industrial waste.
- drainage basin
the preferred term in formal hydrology; equally common in academic writing
- catchment area
more common in British English and often used for smaller areas such as a reservoir's supply zone
- river basin
specifically refers to the area drained by a river and its tributaries
文法句型
the + noun phrase + watershed
watershed + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often used in environmental science, conservation, and water management contexts. Can be replaced by the term 'drainage basin' or 'catchment area' in most contexts.