stream
16 synonyms and 0 antonyms for stream, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small natural flow of water, smaller than a river.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use stream
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English strēam, from a very old root meaning "to flow" — the same root gives us the word "rheum."
Full origin of stream →Frequently asked questions
What does “stream” mean?
The word “stream” means a small natural flow of water, smaller than a river. In plain terms, a small river, or any steady flow of something — including, today, watching or broadcasting video/audio online.
How do you pronounce “stream”?
“Stream” is pronounced STREEM (/ˈstɹiːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “stream” in a sentence?
Here is “stream” used in a sentence: “They waded across the shallow stream to reach the trail.”
What part of speech is “stream”?
Depending on how it is used, “stream” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “stream” come from?
The word “stream” comes from Old English. From Old English strēam, from a very old root meaning "to flow" — the same root gives us the word "rheum.".
Is “stream” a common word?
“Stream” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “stream” have?
“Stream” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small natural flow of water, smaller than a river.
What is the difference between a stream and a river?
The difference is mainly size and strength of flow. A stream is a small, narrow, usually shallow flow of water that you can often step across. A river is much larger, wider and deeper, and is typically fed by many streams. In short, streams are small watercourses and rivers are large ones.
What is the difference between a stream and a creek?
They are very similar, and the choice of word is often regional. 'Creek' is common in the United States and Australia for a small stream, though in British English a creek can mean a narrow tidal inlet. In general use, stream and creek both describe a small, flowing body of water.
What are the different types of streams?
Small watercourses go by several names. A brook or rill is a very small stream, a creek is a modest one, and a tributary is a stream that flows into a larger river. Streams may also be permanent or seasonal, drying up in warmer months and returning after heavy rain.