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.
But these construction materials did not come from a riverbed or a mountain quarry. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026 Other vehicles were seen being driven from the riverbed in a single-file line, where some were loaded onto tow trucks. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 8 June 2026 Outside are a three-story art studio with an elevator, a heated pool and hot tub, a shed, a garage, a riverbed garden, and stone bridges. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 8 June 2026 Instead of following the Gabrielino Trail, keep your eyes peeled for the trail that descends toward the riverbed. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 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 7 Jul. 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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