rivulet

noun

riv·​u·​let ˈri-vyə-lət How to pronounce rivulet (audio)
-və-
Synonyms of rivulet
: a small stream

Synonyms of rivulet

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Examples of rivulet in a Sentence

small rivulets trickled down the side of the cliff
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There were new sunspots and rivulet lines over her face, like an aerial map. — Literary Hub, 22 June 2026 Along the side of the road, a small rivulet of water flows down the road. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026 But rivulets of sunblock still ran down everyone’s necks. — Erin Tan, NBC news, 13 May 2026 His uniform and scalp were lined with glistening rivulets of oil, water, soot and sweat. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rivulet

Word History

Etymology

Italian rivoletto, diminutive of rivolo, from Latin rivulus, diminutive of rivus stream — more at run

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rivulet was in 1577

Rhymes for rivulet

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Browse Nearby Words

Rivulariaceae
rivulet
rivulose
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Cite this Entry

“Rivulet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rivulet. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rivulet

noun
riv·​u·​let ˈriv-(y)ə-lət How to pronounce rivulet (audio)
: a small stream

More from Merriam-Webster on rivulet

Nglish: Translation of rivulet for Spanish Speakers

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