Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A tidal strait in New York City: The East River is a saltwater tidal estuary, not a true river, that flows through New York City. It connects Upper New York Bay at its southern end with Long Island Sound at its northern end. It separates the boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx on its west bank from the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn on its east bank.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The East River is spanned by several famous bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge.
  • We took a ferry across the East River to get from Manhattan to Brooklyn.
  • The waterfront parks along the East River offer stunning views of the city skyline.

Advanced Usage

• "the East River": Always used with the definite article "the" when referring to the specific body of water.
  • The annual swimming event takes place in the East River.

Variants and Related Words

• East River Greenway (noun phrase): A waterfront park and pathway running along the Manhattan side of the East River.

  • Cyclists enjoy the East River Greenway for its scenic route.

• East River Ferry (noun phrase): A passenger ferry service operating on the East River.

  • Commuters often use the East River Ferry for a faster trip.

Synonyms

• Tidal strait: A narrow, navigable channel of water connecting two larger bodies, where the tide meets a river current. (This is a descriptive synonym for the type of waterway.)
• Estuary: The tidal mouth of a large river, where the tide meets the stream. (This describes its saline and tidal nature.)

Related Phrases

• "East River access": Refers to the ability to reach or use the waterfront of the East River.

  • The new development promises improved East River access for the public.

• "East River view": A vista or sightline that includes the East River.

  • Their apartment has a beautiful East River view.

Notes on Meaning

• While called a "river," it is geographically a tidal strait and was historically a complex of tidal marshes. Its name is a fixed proper noun.
• It is a significant historical and modern transportation corridor for ferries and water traffic, and a defining geographical feature of New York City.

Noun

1. a tidal strait separating Manhattan and the Bronx from Queens and Brooklyn