river

noun

riv·​er ˈri-vər 

often attributive

1

a

: a natural stream of water of usually considerable volume

b

: watercourse

2

a

: something resembling a river

a river of lava

b

rivers plural : large or overwhelming quantities

drank rivers of coffee

Phrases

up the river

: to or in prison

was sent up the river

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

By climbing higher during the day, great snipes may be able to detect distant rivers, coastlines, or other familiar features, aiding in precise navigation over thousands of kilometers. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Glide down raft and body slides with near vertical drops or go at a leisurely pace on the lazy river. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025

Perched along the Colorado River, the campsite is centrally located near trails, rivers, and routes perfect for mountain biking, whitewater rafting, off-roading, driving and hiking. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 June 2025

The area is at the very southeastern tip of Texas along the Rio Grande river, which divides the United States and Mexico. —Brett Tingley, Space.com, 27 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing river

• atmospheric river
• down the river
• mouth of the river
• river blindness
• river dolphin
• river duck
• river horse
• river mouth
• river otter
• river's mouth
• sell down the river

Rhymes for river

• giver
• liver
• livre
• quiver
• shiver
• sliver
• caregiver
• deliver
• downriver
• lawgiver
• upriver

Kids Definition

river

noun

riv·​er ˈriv-ər 

1

: a natural stream of water larger than a brook or creek

2

: a large stream or flow

the jet stream is a river of air

Etymology

Middle English rivere "river," from early French rivere (same meaning), derived from Latin riparius "related to or located on the bank of a river," from ripa "shore"