Definition

Proper noun: A major river in North America. It originates in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, and flows south through the U.S. state of Washington, then turns west to form much of the border between Washington and Oregon before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. It is renowned for its hydroelectric power generation and historically abundant salmon runs.

Usage Examples

• The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
• Many dams, like the Grand Coulee Dam, have been built on the Columbia River for irrigation and power.
• The annual salmon migration in the Columbia River was once a central feature of Native American culture and the regional economy.

Advanced Usage

• "Columbia River Gorge": Refers to the spectacular canyon where the river cuts through the Cascade Mountains, forming a major natural border and a scenic area.
  • The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its waterfalls and windsurfing.
• "Columbia River Basin": Denotes the entire drainage area or watershed of the river.
  • The Columbia River Basin covers parts of seven U.S. states and one Canadian province.

Variants and Related Words

• Columbia (Proper noun): Often used as a shortened, informal reference to the river, especially in a local or historical context (e.g., "fishing on the Columbia").
• Columbian (Adjective): Pertaining to the Columbia River or its region (e.g., Columbian white-tailed deer).

Synonyms

• The Great River of the West (historical name)
• The River of the West (historical name)

Related Phrases

• "To fish the Columbia": A common phrase meaning to go fishing in the Columbia River, typically for salmon or steelhead.
  • He goes to fish the Columbia every spring.
• "Columbia River system": Refers to the river and its entire network of tributaries, dams, and reservoirs.
  • Managing the Columbia River system involves balancing power, irrigation, and fish needs.

Noun

1. a North American river; rises in southwestern Canada and flows southward across Washington to form the border between Washington and Oregon before emptying into the Pacific; known for its salmon runs in the spring