Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A river in central England: This "River Avon" flows through the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon and is a tributary of the River Severn.
   • A river in southwestern England: This "River Avon" rises in Gloucestershire, flows through the city of Bristol, and empties into the Severn Estuary.

Usage Notes

• The name "River Avon" refers to two distinct rivers in England. Context is needed to determine which one is being discussed.
• "Avon" itself is a Celtic word meaning "river," so "River Avon" essentially means "River River."
• It is often used with the definite article "the" (e.g., ).

Examples

• Referring to the central English river:

  • Shakespeare's hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon, is situated on the banks of the River Avon.
  • The River Avon in Warwickshire is a popular spot for boating.

• Referring to the southwestern English river:

  • The River Avon in Bristol is a major navigable waterway.
  • The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the River Avon near Bristol.

Advanced Usage

• "The Avon": A common shortened form used, especially locally, to refer to either river.
  • We went for a walk along the Avon.

Variants and Related Words

• Avon: Often used alone as a shortened form of "River Avon."
• Stratford-upon-Avon: The full name of the town, meaning "Stratford-upon-the-Avon."
• Bristol Avon: A specific name used to distinguish the southwestern river from others.

Synonyms

• The Avon (when context is clear).
• Bristol Avon (specifically for the southwestern river).
• Warwickshire Avon or Shakespeare's Avon (specifically for the central river).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "To be sold down the river": This idiom, meaning to be betrayed, is not directly related to the River Avon but uses the general term "river." It is included here as a common English idiom involving the word "river."
  • The workers felt they had been sold down the river by the new management agreement.

Noun

1. a river in central England that flows through Stratford-on-Avon and empties into the Severn
2. a river in southwestern England rising in Gloucestershire and flowing through Bristol to empty into the estuary of the Severn