riparian

[ ri-pair-ee-uhn, rahy- ]

/ rɪˈpɛər i ən, raɪ- /

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adjective

of, relating to, or situated or dwelling on the bank of a river or other body of water: riparian villas.

noun

Law. a person who owns land on the bank of a natural watercourse or body of water.

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Origin of riparian

1840–50; <Latin rīpāri(us) that frequents riverbanks (rīp(a) bank of a river¹ + -ārius-ary) + -an

OTHER WORDS FROM riparian

non·ri·par·i·an, adjective, noun

Words nearby riparian

riotous, riotous living, riot shield, riot squad, rip, riparian, riparian right, rip cord, rip current, ripe, ripen

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use riparian in a sentence

Bosell was tasked with devising a temporary fix that would allow people back into the area for some much needed nature connection, but in a way that better managed impact on the fragile riparian environment.
To Permit or Not to Permit?|Shawnté Salabert|April 15, 2021|Outside Online
“Once you enter the finger of Kolob Canyon, the towering sandstone walls rise above you as you hike through the lush riparian zone.”
The Best Winter Hikes in National Parks|Megan Michelson|December 31, 2020|Outside Online
The first pioneer to reach the riparian tributary where Kansas City now shimmers was, in fact, on the lam himself.
Those Kansas City Blues: A Family History|Katie Baker|October 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the heart of the Olympic Park there are riparian meadows of wildflowers whose color and glory are heartbreaking.
20 Reasons to Feel Good About the 2012 Olympics in London|The Telegraph|July 30, 2012|DAILY BEAST

In both cases the riparian owner, so-called, may erect a wharf extending from his land subject to public control.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
In the latter area it is restricted to riparian situations along the larger streams.
The Amphibians and Reptiles of Michoacn, Mxico|William E. Duellman
Sceloporus melanorhinus calligaster is found in trees in riparian situations in the lowlands to elevations of about 1500 meters.
The Amphibians and Reptiles of Michoacn, Mxico|William E. Duellman
Theory and practice agree upon the rule that rivers are part of the territory of the riparian State.
International Law. A Treatise. Volume I (of 2)|Lassa Francis Oppenheim
The riparian right to water established by long usage, is a joke when applied to the Indian.
The Discards|Lucullus Virgil McWhorter

British Dictionary definitions for riparian

riparian

/ (raɪˈpɛərɪən) /

adjective

of, inhabiting, or situated on the bank of a river

denoting or relating to the legal rights of the owner of land on a river bank, such as fishing or irrigation

noun

property law a person who owns land on a river bank

Word Origin for riparian

C19: from Latin rīpārius, from rīpa a river bank

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for riparian

riparian

[ rĭ-pâr′ē-ən ]

Relating to or inhabiting the banks of a natural course of water. Riparian zones are ecologically diverse and contribute to the health of other aquatic ecosystems by filtering out pollutants and preventing erosion. Salmon in the Pacific Northwest feed off riparian insects; trees such as the black walnut, the American sycamore, and the cottonwood thrive in riparian environments.