riverbed

noun

riv·​er·​bed ˈri-vər-ˌbed How to pronounce riverbed (audio)
Synonyms of riverbednext
: the channel occupied by a river

Examples of riverbed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This means the river would divert from the existing riverbed, if the new channel reaches it. — John Tufts, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2026 Once the riverbed sill is completed in a few weeks time, the water level in the river could increase by as much as three feet (one meter), media reports said. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 2026 After one unit went offline, the Romanian navy blasted riverbed rocks, dredged the channel, and sank barges filled with stones in an attempt to divert more water toward the plant and keep the other unit operating. — CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026 Their playful rivalry turns tragic when Warmooge dies after falling into a steep dry riverbed during a game. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for riverbed

Word History

First Known Use

1781, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of riverbed was in 1781

Rhymes for riverbed

See All Rhymes for riverbed

Browse Nearby Words

river basin
riverbed
river birch
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Riverbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riverbed. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

riverbed

noun
riv·​er·​bed -ˌbed How to pronounce riverbed (audio)
: the channel occupied or once occupied by a river

More from Merriam-Webster on riverbed

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for riverbed

Nglish: Translation of riverbed for Spanish Speakers

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