Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

oxbow

noun

/ˈɒks.boʊ/

Definition

A bend in a river that forms a loop or a crescent shape, often creating a lake or an isolated part of the river when the river changes course over time.

Examples

The old oxbow lake is now a popular spot for fishing.
As the river flowed, it created an oxbow where wildlife thrived.
After heavy rains, the oxbow was filled with water, attracting many birds.

Meaning

The term refers to the distinctive shape that resembles the bow of an ox yoke, where the water forms a curve, and it can also refer to the lake that remains after a river has shifted its path.