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
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Sudden flooding could clear out a riverbed encampment. Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2025 The rock had been found near a riverbed and deliberately brought to the rock shelter, the researchers believe. Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 29 May 2025 Destroying forests creates deserts, sandstorms, dry riverbeds and arid croplands. Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 Acquiring the land, which includes riverbed access for the Brandon Road lock, will help enable construction at the lock and dam there. Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Riverbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riverbed. Accessed 18 Jun. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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