A1noun1K

River

UK /["/ˈrɪvə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈrɪvər/"]/

Definition

a natural flow of water that continues in a long line across land to the sea

In simple words: A large, flowing body of water.

Examples

  • The river flows gently through the valley.
  • We went fishing in the river during our vacation.
  • Many animals live near the river bank.
  • The Amazon River is one of the longest rivers in the world.
  • He enjoys kayaking on the river every summer.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. It can describe any natural watercourse, but may not be appropriate for small streams or man-made channels.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'river' as a 'river' of blue flowing water.

Collocations

  • broad
  • great
  • large
  • cross
  • ford
  • get across
  • flow
  • run
  • wind
  • bank
  • bed
  • bottom
  • across a/​the river
  • along a/​the river
  • down a/​the river
  • the banks, bottom, middle, side, surface, etc. of a river
  • the river’s edge
  • a bend in the river

Synonyms

  • betray

Antonyms

  • mountain
  • desert

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'river' with 'stream' or 'creek', which are smaller bodies of water.
  • Using 'river' to describe anything other than a flowing water body (e.g., ponds or lakes).
  • 'Rivers' is often mistakenly used as a singular form when plural.
  • Confusing 'river' with 'sea' or 'ocean', which are much larger bodies of water.