Definition of river
1a : a natural stream of water of usually considerable volumeb : watercourse
2a : something resembling a river a river of lavab rivers plural : large or overwhelming quantities drank rivers of coffee
up the river
: to or in prison was sent up the river
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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.
Origin and Etymology of river
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
Other Geology Terms
anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale
RIVER Defined for English Language Learners
river
playDefinition of river for English Language Learners
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: a large natural flow of water that crosses an area of land and goes into an ocean, a lake, etc.
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: a large flow of something
RIVER Defined for Kids
river
playDefinition of river for Students
1 : a natural stream of water larger than a brook or creek
2 : a large stream or flow a river of mud
Learn More about river
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See words that rhyme with river Spanish Central: Translation of river Nglish: Translation of river for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of river for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about river
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