weir

[weer]

noun

1. a small dam in a river or stream.

2. a fence, as of brush or narrow boards, or a net set in a stream, channel, etc., for catching fish.

Weir

¹

/ wɪə /

noun

1. Judith. born 1954, Scottish composer: her operas include A Night at the Chinese Opera (1987), and Armida (2005)

2. Peter. born 1944, Australian film director; his films include Dead Poets Society (1989), The Truman Show (1998), and Master and Commander (2003)

weir

²

/ wɪə /

noun

1. a low dam that is built across a river to raise the water level, divert the water, or control its flow

2. a series of traps or enclosures placed in a stream to catch fish

Word History and Origins

Origin of weir¹

before 900; Middle English were, Old English wer, derivative of root of werian to defend, dam up

Word History and Origins

Origin of weir¹

Old English wer; related to Old Norse ver, Old Frisian were, German Wehr

Example Sentences

The weir, built in 1792, altered the river's flow, blocking migratory fish species, including Atlantic salmon, from reaching vital spawning ground, the trust said.

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At 08:56, kneeling on her SUP, Lloyd was the first to descend the fish pass in the centre of the weir and was swept quickly downriver.

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On Monday the court heard Kane's post-mortem examination confirmed he had died from drowning after going into freezing water at a river with rock weirs and deep pools, where he became trapped by the current.

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At 08:56, kneeling on her SUP, Lloyd slid down the fish pass in the centre of the weir and was swept quickly downriver.

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On Tuesday, the court was shown photos of a weir the group was trying to navigate.

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Related Words

• bank 
• barrier 
• dike 
• ditch 
• gate 
• levee