downriver

American

[doun-riv-er] / ˈdaʊnˈrɪv ər /

adverb

with or in the direction of the current of a river.

logs floating downriver.

Etymology

Origin of downriver

First recorded in 1885–90; down ¹ + river ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Advisories downriver, including for shellfish harvesting, have been lifted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

However, that might ironically increase the risk of drinking water that is contaminated with parasites, if those streams are downriver from waste exposures.

From Salon • May 18, 2025

Sunday about 19 miles downriver from where she disappeared.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2024

MV Glen Sannox is making a short journey downriver as it begins sea trials ahead of delivery this summer.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2024

The men knew it was only a matter of time before the force of the water would dislodge the boats, sending them downriver and smashing them to pieces on the edges of jagged boulders.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023