River
/ˈrɪvər/
Definitions
A natural flowing watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, lake, or another river.
/ˈrɪvər/
A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river.
The mighty river carved its way through the mountains.
💡 Simply: Imagine a giant, watery road that nature made! It carries water from the mountains down to the sea or another big lake. Like when you're in a boat floating on a sunny day!
👶 For kids: A river is like a big, long stream of water that flows to the ocean.
More Examples
We enjoyed a picnic by the river.
The city gets its water supply from the river.
How It's Used
"The Amazon River is the second-longest river in the world."
"The river flowed gently, reflecting the sky."
"Environmentalists are working to clean up the polluted river."
Idioms & expressions
down the river
In a state of ruin or decline; ruined or lost.
"The company is going down the river since the new CEO took over."
in the river
Refers to being within the bounds of the river's physical space.
"The treasure was reportedly in the river"
river of tears
An expression of deep, prolonged sorrow or grief.
"After the loss of her pet, she cried a river of tears."
From Old French *rivere*, from Latin *rīpārius* 'of a riverbank', from *rīpa* 'bank'.
Historically, the word 'river' has been used consistently to describe flowing bodies of water.
Memory tip
Think of a long, winding ribbon of water.
Word Origin
"bank"