Definition

The ground or area at the bottom of a river, usually covered with water.

Example

The fish swam along the riverbed, searching for food.

Conversation

Did you see how low the water is in the riverbed?

Yeah, it’s surprising how much it has dried up lately.

I wonder if it will fill up again after the rain.

Hopefully! The wildlife depends on the riverbed being healthy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Riverbed → The word is formed from "river" (from Old French *riviere*, meaning a flowing body of water) and "bed" (from Old English *bedd*, meaning a place to lie down). The term "riverbed" refers to the bottom of a river where water flows.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'river' as a flowing body of water and a 'bed' as a place where something rests. Together, they describe the place where the water rests and flows.

Visually Confused Words