often attributive
1
a
: a natural stream of water of usually considerable volume
b
2
a
: something resembling a river
a river of lava
b
rivers plural
: large or overwhelming quantities
drank rivers of coffee
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
Such intense rainfall, especially when combined with rain that had fallen earlier in the week, poses of risk of causing rivers to rise and flood.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
Stay at the campground in a cabin for as little as $50 a night and have access to the river before and after the day visitors do.
—Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025
Hindus believe that a third, mythical river called the Saraswati joins the other two there in a sacred confluence.
—Atul Loke, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
Driving the news: For over 30 years, dozens of raptors have been released back into the wild through a partnership between nonprofit Last Chance Forever and river cruise company Vanishing Texas River Cruises.
—Nicole Cobler, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for river 
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Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
Stay at the campground in a cabin for as little as $50 a night and have access to the river before and after the day visitors do.
—Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025
Hindus believe that a third, mythical river called the Saraswati joins the other two there in a sacred confluence.
—Atul Loke, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
Driving the news: For over 30 years, dozens of raptors have been released back into the wild through a partnership between nonprofit Last Chance Forever and river cruise company Vanishing Texas River Cruises.
—Nicole Cobler, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for river
Articles Related to river
Dictionary Entries Near river
Cite this Entry
“River.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/river. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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"
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