Wadi - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A wadi is a dry riverbed or valley in a desert or arid region that temporarily fills with water during heavy rains. It is common in North Africa and the Middle East.
Definition:
A dry riverbed or valley that fills with water during rainy seasons, common in arid regions.
Synonyms:
gully, ravine, arroyo, wash
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
river, stream
Common Collocations:
dry wadi, seasonal wadi, wadi bed, flash flood in a wadi
Derivatives:
wadis (plural)
Usage Tips:
Use "wadi" to describe temporary watercourses in deserts; avoid confusing it with permanent rivers or streams.
Common Phrases:
cross the wadi, wadi flooding, explore the wadi
Etymology:
From Arabic "wādī," meaning valley or riverbed; entered English via colonial and geographical contexts.
Examples:
- 1. The hikers camped near the dry wadi overnight.
- 2. After heavy rain, the wadi quickly filled with rushing water.
- 3. Bedouin tribes often rely on wadis for seasonal water sources.
- 4. The desert landscape was dotted with deep, rocky wadis.