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.
West is where the riverbeds, the deltas, the sites of ancient gushing water once were. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Sep. 2025 The sand, which makes up over 70% of glass, could come from a faraway riverbed, lakeshore or inland limestone outcrop. Aki Ishida, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025 For tractors, that might be climbing out of a riverbed without tipping; for water, buying safe liters without waiting for a tanker; for milk, getting paid fast and fairly when documentation is imperfect. Stephen Wunker, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Come prepared with water, food, and rope, and take extra care not to trespass by staying in the riverbed. Eva Frederick, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 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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