river

UK: ˈrɪvə | US: ˈrɪvər

Definition
  1. n. a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river

  2. n. (figurative) a large quantity of a flowing substance (e.g., "a river of lava")

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "river" traces back to Old French rivere, meaning "riverbank" or "stream," derived from Latin ripa ("bank"). Unlike many English words with clear morphemes, "river" evolved as a compact unit from Romance languages, retaining its holistic form. Its Germanic counterpart, "stream," highlights how Latin and Old French influences shaped English’s water-related vocabulary.

Examples
  1. The Nile is the longest river in Africa.

  2. Heavy rains caused the river to overflow its banks.

  3. They sailed down the river at sunset.

  4. A river of cars flowed through the city streets.

  5. The artist painted a tranquil river winding through the valley.