Synonyms of bayou

bayou

noun

ˈbī-(ˌ)ü 

as in tributary

a stream that flows into a larger body of water

a small creek that is the bayou of a larger stream

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tributary
• feeder
• affluent
• branch
• influent
• confluent
• creek
• backwater
• headwater
• brook
• rivulet
• rill
• source
• streamlet
• brooklet
• run
• fountainhead
• headstream
• head

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• effluent
• distributary

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bayou

Louisiana was already represented with the bayou scene in Soarin’ Across America. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 1 June 2026

The sensation is of walking into a bayou junk shop that’s been abandoned and left to flower, and within and around these verdant crannies, Tsimring conjures a literal electric storm. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 May 2026

The event, rain or shine, features more than 22,000 pounds of fresh, live crawfish delivered from Louisiana’s bayou country and cooked on-site for a Cajun feast. — Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2026

Shirley was buried in a segregated graveyard under live oaks, on a bayou. — Jesmyn Ward, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026