No, water molecules are not held together by ionic bonds. They are held together by hydrogen bonds.

Here's why:

* Ionic bonds form between oppositely charged ions (atoms that have gained or lost electrons). Water molecules (H₂O) are neutral and do not form ions.

* Hydrogen bonds form between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (like oxygen in water) and an electron pair in the adjacent molecule. This creates a weak attraction between the molecules.

The hydrogen bonds in water are responsible for many of its unique properties, like its high boiling point, high surface tension, and ability to dissolve many substances.