Meaning & Definition of word "River"

River

/ˈrɪvər/

noun:

  • 1. A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another such stream.
    • Example: The Amazon River is the largest river by discharge volume of water in the world.
  • 2. A body of water that flows in a confined and defined course.
    • Example: They went fishing in the river behind their house.
  • 3. A continuous flow of something.
    • Example: There was a river of traffic on the highway during rush hour.

Etymology

Middle English 'rivre', from Old French 'riviere', from Latin 'riparia' (riverbank).

Common Phrases and Expressions

Go with the flow:

To accept a situation as it is and to not try to change it.

Don't swim against the tide:

Do not resist the prevailing trend or current.

Up the creek without a paddle:

In a difficult situation without any means of resolving it.

Related Words

stream:

A small, narrow river.

brook:

A small, natural stream of fresh water.

delta:

The landform that forms at the mouth of a river where it meets a body of water.

Slang Meanings of river

Meaning: To be stuck in a difficult situation.

Example Sentence: I feel like I'm in a river right now with all these problems.

Meaning: To go with the flow and not be stressed.

Example Sentence: Just river it, man, everything will work out.