If you’re struggling to find words to describe water ending in -ing, we’ve included 10 you can use in the list below.
1. Bubbling
Definition
Producing lots of bubbles.
Examples
“The rhythmic bubbling of the hot spring created a soothing symphony, inviting relaxation and tranquility.”
“The bubbling of the water in the pot on the stove began as a slow and steady rumble before starting to rattle the metal lid in a cacophony of noise that filled the kitchen.”
How it Adds Description
Water can end up “bubbling” due to several factors, such as coming to a boil, as part of a natural water feature, or even due to the strength of the current. “Bubbling” water helps to convey to your reader that the water is filled with energy, almost as if it shows excitement or enthusiasm for the ongoing events in your story.
2. Cascading
Definition
Falling quickly in large amounts.
Examples
“During the storm, the water began cascading down the rooftops, clattering onto the concrete below.”
“As they followed the rushing river, it lead them to a steep drop where it began cascading into the ravine below and forbidding them safe passage to the other side.”
How it Adds Description
To describe water as “cascading” shows its force and power. It could be part of a waterfall or a sudden deluge that has surprised your characters. “Cascading” helps to illustrate the power of nature for your reader, showing how unstoppable it can be.
3. Drenching
Definition
Making something extremely wet.
Examples
“The powerful waves crashed against the shore, drenching everything in their path with a salty mist that hung in the air.”
“As the thunder roared above them, raindrops crashed down, drenching them within seconds and leaving them cold to the bone.”
How it Adds Description
Rather than just describing the effect of water as being “wet”, using the word “drenching” instead adds a layer of depth to your description. It helps your reader to be able to imagine something that has been completely covered in water in a way that will likely be hard to get dry again.
4. Dripping
Definition
- Very wet.
- Falling in small droplets.
Examples
“Dripping incessantly, the water droplets from the leaky faucet thudded out a metronome on the bottom of the enamel basin.”
“Inside the eerie cave, stalactites formed over centuries, with water dripping from their tips, creating a haunting melody that echoed through the darkness.”
How it Adds Description
Describing water as “dripping” helps to convey the steady, intermittent flow of water droplets falling or trickling down. The word “dripping” evokes a sense of rhythm, capturing the sound and movement of water, helping to create a soundtrack to your story for your reader.
5. Flooding
Definition
Being filled or covered with a large amount of water.
Examples
“The relentless downpour transformed the streets into rivers, with flooding water submerging cars and causing widespread chaos in the city.”
“As the river swelled beyond its banks, the rushing current of flooding water engulfed the nearby fields, turning lush farmland into muddy swamps.”
How it Adds Description
“Flooding” helps to illustrate to your reader the great effect that water, especially a large amount, can have on the surroundings in your story. It shows how it engulfs everything in its path, not caring what, or who it affects.
6. Flowing
Definition
- Moving continuously in one direction.
- Moving in a smooth and relaxed way.
Examples
“The gentle stream twisted through the lush green meadow, its clear and sparkling waters flowing gracefully over smooth pebbles.”
“The ever-flowing water of the fountain created a subtle symphony enjoyed by all who visited the city park for a small chance at some respite.”
How it Adds Description
If you need to show how graceful water is in its movement, consider describing it as “flowing”. This helps to illustrate how effortlessly it moves, but also its continual and relentless progress, despite its gentle nature. For your reader, this creates a calming description, helping them to see the water as a relaxing presence.
7. Meandering
Definition
Moving slowly with no clear purpose or direction.
Examples
“Meandering through the idyllic landscape, the river reflected the relaxed nature of the village, doing whatever it pleased at a leisurely pace.”
“The meandering creek wandered through the dense forest, its playful water caressing mossy rocks and creating tiny eddies that danced in the dappled sunlight.”
How it Adds Description
Describing water as “meandering” helps to create a sense of leisurely and winding movement. It almost has a way of personifying the water, making it appear laidback and carefree, which may be mirrored in the way that it makes your characters and your reader feel.
8. Rippling
Definition
- Moving in small waves.
- Moving in a way that is not obvious but still noticeable.
Examples
“The soft breeze kissed the surface of the lake, the rippling water seeming to tremble under its gentle touch.”
“As the pair skipped their stones across the pond, it created a mesmerizing display of rippling water.”
How it Adds Description
Not all movements of water are large and dynamic, and sometimes describing the subtle ways it move can have a big impact on your story. Consider describing the “rippling” nature of water to create a sense of wonder and tranquility in the smallest things for your reader. It can also be used as a metaphor for other events in your story, where one action billows out to affect more and more things.
9. Swirling
Definition
Moving quickly with a twisting, circular movement.
Examples
“The whirlpool formed at the center of the river, swirling the water with a powerful vortex that drew in everything in its path.”
“The stormy sea churned with fury, its towering waves crashing and swirling, holding the ship in a dangerous dance from which it could not escape.”
How it Adds Description
Using the word “swirling” to describe water demonstrates a sense of movement and energy, highlighting its power and ease of movement. It can be a source of danger, but also one that can captivate your reader as they follow the spiraling movements through your story.
10. Trickling
Definition
Flowing slowly and gradually in a small amount.
Examples
“As the snow slowly melted, droplets of trickling water dripped from the icicles lining the mouth of the cave where the bear slumbered.”
“The narrow crevice in the cave wall allowed only a slender stream of trickling water to escape, not enough to sustain them for long.”
How it Adds Description
Describing water as “trickling” emphasizes a slow, gentle, and delicate flow. It suggests a small and intermittent stream of water, often associated with a light or gentle sound that helps to set the scene for your reader. The term “trickling” conveys a sense of quietness and subtlety, but may also be a sign of disappointment for your characters in the fact that the water produced is only a small amount.