river

noun

riv·​er ˈri-vər How to pronounce river (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: a natural stream of water of usually considerable volume
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
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.
All other users of river water have filed documents with the state outlining how their cooling systems limit fish kills. Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025 Uniworld’s boutique river ships feature elegant design, luxury amenities, family-style gourmet dining, and immersive cultural experiences, ensuring a luxurious and memorable journey for this community and more. Martie Bowser, Essence, 22 May 2025 The frames were built in Poland and shipped by a barge through the European river network to Marseille’s port on France’s southern coast for the contractor to pour the concrete to create 18 cubes. Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 Related article This 1,000-mile river suffered decades of oil spills. Jack Guy, CNN Money, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for river

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of river was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“River.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/river. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

river

noun
riv·​er ˈriv-ər How to pronounce river (audio)
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"

More from Merriam-Webster on river

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