Watercourse: meaning, definitions and examples

Generally used in formal or technical contexts to refer to any natural or artificial channel through which water flows.

• The engineers designed a new watercourse to manage the excess rainwater.
• The map shows the layout of various watercourses in the region.

Used to describe a large, natural stream of water that flows towards an ocean, a lake, or another river. Suitable in both formal and informal situations.

• The Amazon River is one of the longest rivers in the world.
• He likes to go kayaking on the river.

Refers to a small, flowing body of water. It's less specific than 'creek' but often implies a gentle flow.

• There's a beautiful stream running through the forest.
• We followed the stream until we reached the meadow.

Commonly used in informal contexts, especially in North America and Australia, to refer to a small and narrow freshwater stream.

• They decided to have a picnic by the creek.
• We went fishing in the creek behind my house.

A general term for any natural or artificial waterway, including rivers, streams, and man-made channels.

• The river is the main watercourse that runs through the valley
• The watercourse was crucial for irrigation in the ancient civilization

A natural or artificial waterway, often narrower than a watercourse, used for navigation or directing water flow.

• The boat sailed through the narrow channel between the islands
• To prevent flooding, engineers created a channel to divert excess water

A narrow, usually shallow channel dug into the ground to drain water or for irrigation purposes, often with a negative connotation if poorly maintained or unsightly.

• The farmers dug a ditch to ensure proper drainage of their fields
• The neglected ditch behind the house was full of garbage and weeds

A man-made waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or ships or to convey water for irrigation.

• The Panama Canal is one of the most famous canals in the world
• Farmers rely on the canal to water their crops during dry seasons