Tributary Meaning in English
word
ˈtɹɪbjəˌtɛɹi
TRIB-yuh-ter-ee
tɹˈɪbjuːtəɹi
trib-YOO-tuh-ree
Definition
A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river or lake.
Usage & Nuances
Primarily used in geography and environmental contexts. It refers only to natural water features. Not to be confused with 'tribute' (a payment or gift). Common collocations: 'major tributary', 'tributary of the Nile'.
Spanish: afluentePortuguese (BR): afluentePortuguese (PT): afluenteChinese (Simplified): 支流Chinese (Traditional): 支流Hindi: सहायक नदीArabic: رافدBengali: উপনদীRussian: притокJapanese: 支流Vietnamese: phụ lưuKorean: 지류Turkish: akarsu kolu - dere koluUrdu: معاون ندیIndonesian: anak sungai
Example Sentences
The Missouri River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River.
basic
Rain increases the flow in every tributary during the wet season.
basic
A map shows all the tributaries feeding into the main river.
basic
Local fishermen know every tributary in this region by heart.
natural
We paddled down a small tributary and found a hidden waterfall.
natural
That little creek by the farm is actually a tributary of the Amazon.
natural