ford

The word “ford” means a shallow part of a river or stream that can be crossed on foot, by horse, or by vehicle. In plain terms, a shallow crossing point in a river, or the act of wading or driving across one.

“Ford” is pronounced fawd (/fɔɹd/ in IPA).

Here is “ford” used in a sentence: “They crossed the river at a shallow ford instead of using the bridge.”

Depending on how it is used, “ford” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “ford” comes from Old English. From Old English ford, related to the idea of "crossing" — a distant cousin of the words firth and fjord.

“Ford” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Ford” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a shallow part of a river or stream that can be crossed on foot, by horse, or by vehicle.

A ford is a naturally shallow stretch of a river where you cross through the water itself, wading or driving across the bed. A bridge is a built structure that carries you over the water, keeping you dry. Fords depend on low water levels; bridges work whatever the depth.

It can be, but only when the water is genuinely shallow and slow-moving. Depth gauges often mark the deepest point. Fast or rising water is dangerous, since even a shallow-looking flow can sweep a vehicle away or flood the engine. When in doubt, it is safer not to attempt the crossing.

Yes. To 'ford' a river means to cross it at a shallow point, on foot or by vehicle. The noun names the place; the verb names the act of wading across. Both come from the same old root meaning a crossing, which also survives in town names like Oxford and Stratford.