A1noun 1K

River

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈrɪvə(r)/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈrɪvər/"]/

Meaning of River

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.

River in a sentence

• 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.

How to use River

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.

Related words

Collocations with River

• 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 for River

• betray

Opposites of River

• mountain
• desert

Common mistakes with River

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about River

What does River mean?

A large, flowing body of water.

What is the definition of River?

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

How do you use River in a sentence?

The river flows gently through the valley.

Can you give another example of River?

We went fishing in the river during our vacation.

What are synonyms for River?

Common alternatives include betray.

What is the opposite of River?

Opposite meanings include mountain, desert.

What words go with River?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using River?

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.

How do you pronounce River?

US: /["/ˈrɪvər/"]/, UK: /["/ˈrɪvə(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use River?

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.

What CEFR level is River?

"River" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.