riverbed

noun

riv·​er·​bed ˈri-vər-ˌbed How to pronounce riverbed (audio)
: the channel occupied by a river

Examples of riverbed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its surface is stamped with ocean and sea basins and etched with ancient riverbeds, deltas, and alluvial fans. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025 The impressions stayed covered until 1908 when a massive flood roared down the Paluxy River and scraped the riverbed. Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2025 The waterway would deepen the Pripyat riverbed, straighten its course and create dykes and dams. Franziska Exeler, The Dial, 18 Feb. 2025 One of his images features a mostly dry riverbed, its sand mysteriously streaked. Alex Cuadros, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for riverbed

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of riverbed was in 1781

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Cite this Entry

“Riverbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riverbed. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

riverbed

noun
riv·​er·​bed -ˌbed How to pronounce riverbed (audio)
: the channel occupied or once occupied by a river

More from Merriam-Webster on riverbed

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