Definition

Proper noun 1. A major river in southern England: The River Thames is the longest river entirely in England. It flows in an easterly direction, passing through the capital city, London, before emptying into the North Sea.

Usage

The term "River Thames" is used as a proper noun to name this specific geographical feature. It is commonly preceded by the definite article "the". * The River Thames is a historic and economic artery for London. * We took a boat tour on the River Thames. * The source of the River Thames is in the Cotswolds.

Advanced Usage

• "The Thames": In common usage, especially in and around London, the river is often referred to simply as "the Thames".
  • The view of the Thames from the London Eye is spectacular.
• Figurative Use: The river is sometimes used metonymically to represent London or the British government/establishment.
  • Policies decided on the banks of the Thames affect the whole nation.

Variants and Related Words

• Thames: The shortened, most common form of the name.
• The Isis: A traditional name for the part of the Thames River that flows through Oxford.

Synonyms

• The Thames
• London's river (context-specific)

Related Phrases

• North of the Thames / South of the Thames: Common phrases used to describe locations in London relative to the river.
  • His office is located north of the Thames.
• Thames Barrier: A specific flood control structure on the River Thames.
  • The Thames Barrier protects London from tidal surges.

Noun

1. the longest river in England; flows eastward through London to the North Sea