River Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：large natural stream (river)

river 🔊

/ˈrɪvər/

A large natural stream of water that flows across the land and empties into an ocean, lake, or another river.

Aerial view of a winding river flowing through green landscape

large natural stream 🔊

➕

/lɑːrdʒ ˈnætʃrəl striːm/

A river is a large natural flow of water that moves across land, typically from higher to lower ground, and empties into a sea, lake, or another river.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'riparia' (riverbank), via Old French 'riviere'.

💡 Mnemonic

RIVER: Roll In Vast Eternal River - imagine a flowing waterway carving the land.

📖 Example

We had a lovely picnic by the river, listening to the gentle flow of the water. 🔊 We had a lovely picnic by the river, listening to the gentle flow of the water.

🔗 Collocations

river bank – the land alongside a river

river mouth – the place where a river flows into the sea

river basin – the area of land drained by a river and its tributaries

🔄 Synonyms

stream (n.) – a small, narrow river

creek (n.) – a small stream, often a tributary

brook (n.) – a very small stream

🌱 Derivatives

riverine (adj.) – relating to or situated on a river

riverbed (n.) – the channel through which a river flows

riverside (n./adj.) – the land along the side of a river

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'river' traces back to Latin 'ripa' meaning 'bank', evolving through 'riparia' and Old French 'riviere'. Rivers have been vital for agriculture, trade, and settlement since ancient civilizations.