upriver

adverb or adjective

up·​riv·​er ˈəp-ˈri-vər How to pronounce upriver (audio)
: toward or at a point nearer the source of a river

Examples of upriver 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.
In estuaries like the one at Cape Fear, deepening a channel can allow tides and storm surges to push farther upriver, bringing salt water with them. Patrick Sisson, Scientific American, 9 Mar. 2026 The shuttle van brought us 5 miles upriver to Sprewell Bluff Park. David Hanson, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2025 For hours, the group traveled upriver, starting from the Chase Avenue bridge. Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 24 Aug. 2025 Control structures upriver reduced the river’s sediment load, and jetties channeled much of what remained out to sea. Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for upriver

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upriver was in 1774

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upriver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upriver. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

upriver

adverb or adjective
up·​riv·​er ˈəp-ˈriv-ər How to pronounce upriver (audio)
: toward or at a point nearer the start of a river
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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