1. A body of water: This is the most common meaning. It refers to any channel or route of water, such as:
* Rivers: The Mississippi River is a major waterway.
* Canals: The Panama Canal is an important waterway for shipping.
* Lakes: The Great Lakes form a significant waterway system.
* Oceans: The Atlantic Ocean is a vast waterway.
* Seas: The Mediterranean Sea is a major waterway.
* Straits: The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow waterway connecting the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas.
2. A channel for transportation: This meaning focuses on the use of water bodies for transportation.
* "The waterway was used to transport goods from the city to the port."
* "The new waterway would shorten the shipping time between the two countries."
3. A system of navigation: This meaning refers to the infrastructure and regulations that govern the use of waterways for transportation.
* "The waterway authority manages the locks and dams on the river."
* "The new waterway regulations aim to improve safety and efficiency."
4. A channel for drainage: This meaning refers to a waterway that is used to remove excess water from an area, often through a system of canals, ditches, or pipes.
* "The waterway was built to drain the swamp."
* "The new waterway system would help prevent flooding in the city."
To understand the meaning of "waterway" in a specific context, pay attention to the surrounding words and phrases.