1. large wheels turned by flowing water, used to generate power for machinery

Examples

• The old mill used waterwheels to grind grain into flour.
• Waterwheels were common sources of power before steam engines.
• The museum displayed several restored waterwheels from the 1800s.
• Fast-flowing streams provided the energy needed to turn the waterwheels.
• Many historic waterwheels have been preserved as tourist attractions.
• The carpenter built wooden waterwheels for the village mill.
• Engineers studied ancient waterwheels to understand early technology.