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.
The team can arrange for adrenaline junkies to heli-ski on a glacier, fight to bring a king salmon ashore, kayak on remote riverbeds, and more, all with the help of expert guides. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026 The show imagines communities centered on the Mississippi River, which flows through Minneapolis, and the installation echoes a riverbed, with platforms approximating islands. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026 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 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 2 Sep. 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

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