Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
tributary
noun
/ˈtrɪb.jʊ.ter.i/
Definition
A river or stream that flows into a larger river or lake.
Examples
- The Missouri River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River.
- After heavy rain, the tributaries in the area swelled significantly.
- Many fish use tributaries to spawn.
Meaning
Tributaries are smaller waterways that contribute to the flow of a larger body of water.
Synonyms
- Branch
- Feeder stream
- Affluent
