river

noun

riv·​er ˈri-vər 

often attributive

1

a

: a natural stream of water of usually considerable volume

b

: watercourse

2

a

: something resembling a river

a river of lava

b

rivers plural : large or overwhelming quantities

drank rivers of coffee

Phrases

up the river

: to or in prison

was sent up the river

Examples of river in a Sentence

The raft is too small to use on this part of the river.

Rivers of mud flowed down the hillside.

Recent Examples on the Web

The river valley was also home to the Burnham Brickyard, per UW-Milwaukee, which was the city’s largest and longest running manufacturer of the bricks. —Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024

Advertisement The rules took effect last week as the federal Bureau of Reclamation approved the plan and the supporting biological opinions, which determine how much water can be pumped and how river flows are managed in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024

From enormous ocean liners complete with mini-amusement parks, kids’ clubs, casinos, comedy clubs, and upscale lounges, to small river cruises with a focus on culture and off-board excursions that show off local flavors, there are so many options for travelers today. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024

Featuring a series of day hikes, Maine Hiking - 100-Mile Wilderness offers hiking on some sections of the Appalachian trail alongside pristine lakes and streams and along a deep river gorge with many scenic waterfalls. —Everett Potter, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rivere, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *riparia, from Latin, feminine of riparius riparian, from ripa bank, shore; perhaps akin to Greek ereipein to tear down

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing river

• atmospheric river
• down the river
• mouth of the river
• river blindness
• river dolphin
• river duck
• river horse
• river mouth
• river otter
• river's mouth
• sell down the river

Kids Definition

river

noun

riv·​er ˈriv-ər 

1

: a natural stream of water larger than a brook or creek

2

: a large stream or flow

the jet stream is a river of air

Etymology

Middle English rivere "river," from early French rivere (same meaning), derived from Latin riparius "related to or located on the bank of a river," from ripa "shore"