tributary
noun
a stream that flows to a larger stream or other body of water.
tributaries
-
pluralof tributary.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
Many of its tributaries originate in the surrounding hill states, while flood-control measures are largely planned within Assam.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
Hazmat materials got dumped right into rivers and tributaries.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026
Producing rare earths requires heavy chemicals and can produce toxic waste, with cases including illegal operations polluting Mekong tributaries in Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia with arsenic and cadmium.
From Barron's ● Apr. 22, 2026
The Colorado River and its network of tributaries supply water to seven U.S. states and Mexico, supporting drinking water, farming, and hydropower.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 14, 2026
A lot of people travel around the state by boat, on the many tributaries of the Amazon.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
