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downriver

American  
[doun-riv-er] / ˈdaʊnˈrɪv ər /

adverb

  1. 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.

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

Paul's body was located further downriver by the coastguard helicopter at about 11:00.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2025

But about 15 miles downriver from the dam, you’ll find Willow Beach and the Black Canyon Water Trail, a great place to kayak.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 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

Thru the trees on the little bluff I can see downriver.

From "The Knife of Never Letting Go" by Patrick Ness

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.