rivulet

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'rivulet' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small stream, brook, or creek. For example: "We crossed the rivulet, and found ourselves in a meadow full of wildflowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Food

Travel

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr McTiernan began using irrigation water from a rivulet running out of the Bighorn Mountains called Smith Creek.The Bear Claw suffered the fate of having the Number Four water right.

The Economist

Another explorer, the Australian John Oxley, in 1818 observed: "On every hill a spring, in every valley a rivulet, but the river itself disappears".

Encyclopedia Britannica

So this picture traces a long meandering precarious strung-out line, like a path or a rivulet.

Independent

The streams merged into a rivulet of sick that snaked along the suburban street.

Independent

Desperate housewives emerged on to their front stoops, and catching that distinctive acid odour, lost control of their own consumerism; they coughed, they heaved, they brought forth more and more vomit that cascaded down the Carpenter Gothic stairs to join the rivulet; and so it became a river – and then a torrent.

Independent

By the early nineteen-fifties, many of its traditional forms — Western swing, "cowboy" songs, string bands (a predecessor of bluegrass), gospel, and boogie — had begun to recede from the mainstream to rivulet status.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

That is the smallest annual increase for nine-and-a-half years (see table).Related items Foreign direct investment inflows: Rivulets and riptidesSep 13th 2007 Big Mac index: SizzlingAug 22nd 2007 Country risk ratings: Crude and creditAug 22nd 2007 America's economy: Checking the engineJun 7th 2007Another measure based on repeat sales suggests prices are falling.

The Economist

A MILE below ground, men strip to the waist and sweat rivulets.

The Economist

Small natural watercourses are sometimes called rivulets, but a variety of names—including branch, brook, burn, and creek are more common, occurring regionally to nationally in place-names.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The surface drainage of Sri Lanka is made up of about 100 "rivers," most of which are mere wet-season rivulets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When rains come to those grazing lands, rivulets often form along the walking paths and wash away unprotected topsoil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing creatively, consider using "rivulet" metaphorically to describe a small flow of something other than water, such as tears or sweat.

Common error

While "rivulet" is a perfectly valid word, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "stream" or "creek" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "rivulet" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a small stream. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable term in English writing, often employed in descriptive contexts. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a small flow of liquid or other substances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Arts

14%

Travel

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Books

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rivulet" is a grammatically correct and versatile noun used to describe a small stream or flow. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Arts and Travel contexts. While "rivulet" is appropriate for various writing styles, it is best suited for descriptive or slightly more formal settings. When describing a small stream in casual conversation, consider using simpler alternatives such as "stream" or "creek". Key synonyms include "small stream", "brook" and "creek". Remember to avoid overuse in informal contexts to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small stream

More common and general term for a small body of flowing water.

tiny brook

Emphasizes the small size of the brook.

minor creek

Another common term for a small stream, slightly less formal.

small runnel

A less common but more precise synonym for a very small stream.

trickle of water

Focuses on the slow, thin flow of water.

small channel

Implies a man-made or naturally formed narrow passage for water.

thin streamlet

Diminutive form of stream, highlighting its small size.

small watercourse

A more formal and technical term.

minor tributary

Specifies that the small stream flows into a larger body of water.

narrow stream

Focuses on the width of the stream.

FAQs

How can I use "rivulet" in a sentence?

You can use "rivulet" to describe a small stream of water, or metaphorically to describe a small flow of something else. For example, "A "rivulet" of tears ran down her cheek."

What are some synonyms for "rivulet"?

Some synonyms for "rivulet" include "small stream", "brook", "creek", and "streamlet".

Is "rivulet" a formal word?

"Rivulet" is considered a slightly more formal word than some of its synonyms, such as "stream" or "creek". It adds a touch of elegance to descriptive writing.

Can "rivulet" be used to describe things other than water?

Yes, "rivulet" can be used metaphorically to describe a small flow of something other than water, such as "a "rivulet" of sweat" or "a "rivulet" of blood".