'river' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'ripa,' where 'ripa' meant 'bank of a river.'

'ripa' transformed into the Old French word 'rivere,' and eventually became the modern English word 'river' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'bank of a river,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river.'