First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
river
noun, riv·er often attributive \ˈri-vər\
: a large natural flow of water that crosses an area of land and goes into an ocean, a lake, etc.
: a large flow of something
Full Definition of RIVER
1
a : a natural stream of water of usually considerable volume b : watercourse
2
a : something resembling a river <a river of lava> b plural : large or overwhelming quantities <drank rivers of coffee>
— up the river
: to or in prison <was sent up the river>
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Origin of RIVER
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
Other Geology Terms
RIVER Defined for Kids
river
noun riv·er \ˈri-vər\
Definition of RIVER for Kids
1
: a natural stream of water larger than a brook or creek
2
: a large stream or flow <a river of mud>
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