Rivulet
noun /ˈrɪv.jʊ.lɪt/ — A very small stream
Definition
A small stream of water — a thin trickle, a tiny watercourse barely wider than a hand. Also used figuratively for any thin, continuous flow.
Beyond the definition
The opposite of the torrent. A rivulet is humility in motion — small, persistent, working with patience rather than force. Rivers begin as rivulets.
Origin & history
Diminutive of 'rivule', from Latin 'rivulus' (small stream) — diminutive of 'rivus' (stream). A tiny version of a river.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
A rivulet of melted snow cut across the path, crystal clear over pebbles.
Rivulets of condensation ran down the window during the cold night.
Even the greatest rivers were once rivulets — it is easy to miss the beginning of something large.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Rivulet” when the meaning fits your context: A small stream of water — a thin trickle, a tiny watercourse barely wider than a hand. Also used figuratively for any thin, continuous flow.
Synonyms
streamlet, rill, brook, trickle, runnel
Antonyms
torrent, river, flood
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Rivulet" mean?
Rivulet is noun meaning: A very small stream. A small stream of water — a thin trickle, a tiny watercourse barely wider than a hand. Also used figuratively for any thin, continuous flow.
Where does the word "Rivulet" come from?
Diminutive of 'rivule', from Latin 'rivulus' (small stream) — diminutive of 'rivus' (stream). A tiny version of a river.