What does rivulet mean?
A rivulet is a small stream or brook, a word especially suited to describing water flowing quietly through a natural setting. Its diminutive ending, “-let,” gives it the sense of something miniature, so a rivulet suggests a narrow, delicate channel rather than the broad course of a river. The term can also be used figuratively for a small flow of water or another liquid: for example, a writer might describe sweat, melting snow, or a trickling stream as a rivulet. Although entirely understandable in modern English, “rivulet” has a literary and somewhat old-fashioned tone, making it more evocative than the plainer “stream” or “brook.” It is useful when size, delicacy, or the visual impression of flowing water is important to the description.
nounA small stream or brook, especially one flowing through a countryside or natural landscape. The word is also used figuratively for a small, narrow flow of water or another liquid.
- A small stream or brook.
- A small, narrow flow of water or another liquid, especially in figurative descriptions.
"After the rain, a small rivulet ran along the edge of the path."
"A clear rivulet threaded its way between moss-covered stones."
"A rivulet of sweat ran down his temple in the heat."
The plural takes the ending “-s” and is used in the same way as the singular noun.
"Several rivulets joined together to form the larger stream."
A rivulet is a miniature river: the word literally means a little stream, and its sound carries that gentle flow.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rivulet come from?
“Rivulet” was formed in English with the diminutive suffix “-let” and the element “river,” both of which point toward the meaning “little stream.” The underlying word “river” comes through Old French from Latin “rivus,” a word for a stream or watercourse. Related forms in other languages include French “rivière” and “ruisseau,” reflecting the same broad family of words associated with flowing water.
Related word forms
How rivulet is actually used
The word is literary and descriptive rather than everyday. It often conveys the small size, clarity, or gentle movement of a stream.
Easily confused with rivulet
A rivulet is a small stream, whereas a river is a large natural or artificial watercourse.