noun Uncommon

estuary

EHST-yoor-ree

Estuary (noun) means the wide part of a river where it meets the sea, where fresh water mixes with salt water. Example: “Migrating birds gather in the estuary every autumn.”

noun

The wide part of a river where it meets the sea, where fresh water mixes with salt water.

"Migrating birds gather in the estuary every autumn."

"The old port was built where the river estuary widened into a natural harbor."

How to use estuary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe mouth of a river where it meets the sea and the waters mix.

Common pairings

river estuary tidal estuary estuary mouth

Word forms

estuaries plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “estuary” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Migrating birds gather in the _____ every autumn.

Etymology

From Latin aestuarium, "a tidal inlet," related to aestus, "tide" or "surge."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for estuary

vary Mary nary wary Gary diary ovary weary apiary canary salary binary

See all rhymes for estuary →

Frequently asked questions

What does “estuary” mean?

The word “estuary” means the wide part of a river where it meets the sea, where fresh water mixes with salt water. In plain terms, the mouth of a river where it meets the sea and the waters mix.

How do you pronounce “estuary”?

“Estuary” is pronounced EHST-yoor-ree (/ˈɛst͡ʃuˌɛɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “estuary” in a sentence?

Here is “estuary” used in a sentence: “Migrating birds gather in the estuary every autumn.”

What part of speech is “estuary”?

“Estuary” is a noun.

Where does the word “estuary” come from?

The word “estuary” comes from Latin. From Latin aestuarium, "a tidal inlet," related to aestus, "tide" or "surge.".

Is “estuary” a common word?

“Estuary” is an uncommon word in modern English.