delta
A delta is a low, flat area of land where a river divides into several smaller rivers before flowing into the sea. It is often shaped like a triangle and is formed by sand and soil left by the water.
Examples
3 of 5We took a boat trip through the river delta to see the local birds.
We took a boat trip through the river delta to see the local birds.
The government is working to protect the delicate ecosystem of the river delta.
The government is working to protect the delicate ecosystem of the river delta.
The delta looks like a giant green fan from the airplane window.
The delta looks like a giant green fan from the airplane window.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the Greek letter Delta (Δ), which is shaped like a triangle. River deltas usually have this same triangular shape.
Quick Quiz
The ____ of the river is a very fertile area where farmers grow many crops.
Correct!
The correct answer is: delta
Examples
We took a boat trip through the river delta to see the local birds.
everydayWe took a boat trip through the river delta to see the local birds.
The government is working to protect the delicate ecosystem of the river delta.
formalThe government is working to protect the delicate ecosystem of the river delta.
The delta looks like a giant green fan from the airplane window.
informalThe delta looks like a giant green fan from the airplane window.
Sedimentation rates in the delta have decreased significantly due to the new dam.
academicSedimentation rates in the delta have decreased significantly due to the new dam.
Our logistics company manages several shipping routes through the Pearl River Delta.
businessOur logistics company manages several shipping routes through the Pearl River Delta.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Nile Delta
Nile Delta
delta wing
delta wing
river delta system
river delta system
Often Confused With
An estuary is where tide meets the stream; a delta is the landform made by river deposits.
The mouth is just the opening of a river; a delta is the specific branch-like land structure at the mouth.
Usage Notes
Use 'delta' when specifically referring to the geographic landform at the end of a river. It is almost always used in a geographic or environmental context.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes forget that 'delta' refers to the land area, not just the water itself. Also, remember to capitalize the word when it is part of a proper name like 'The Mississippi Delta'.
Memory Tip
Think of the Greek letter Delta (Δ), which is shaped like a triangle. River deltas usually have this same triangular shape.
Word Origin
From the Greek letter 'delta' (Δ), which ancient Greeks used to describe the triangular shape of the Nile's mouth.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The Nile Delta in Egypt is historically famous as one of the most fertile areas in the ancient world, supporting the rise of Egyptian civilization.
Quick Quiz
The ____ of the river is a very fertile area where farmers grow many crops.
Correct!
The correct answer is: delta
Related Vocabulary
More nature words
scavenger
A1A scavenger is an animal or a person that finds and collects things that others have thrown away or left behind. In nature, it refers to animals that eat dead plants or other dead animals to survive.
migration
A1Migration is the movement of people or animals from one place to another to live or find food. It can happen every year with the seasons or be a permanent move to a new country.
hibernation
A1Hibernation is a long, deep sleep that some animals take during the winter. It helps them save energy and survive when there is very little food available.
camouflage
A1Camouflage is a way to hide by looking like the things around you. It helps animals and people stay safe by blending into the background so they are hard to see.
stream
A1A stream is a small, narrow flow of water that moves naturally along a fixed path. It is smaller than a river and can usually be found in forests or parks.
pond
A1A pond is a small area of still water that is smaller than a lake. It can be found naturally in the wild or built in a park or garden.
marsh
A1A marsh is a type of wetland that is often flooded with water. It is usually covered with grasses, reeds, and other plants that like wet soil.
swamp
A1A swamp is a low area of land that is always very wet or covered with water. It usually has many trees and plants growing in it and is often home to animals like frogs and alligators.
waterfall
A1A waterfall is a place where a river or stream flows over a high, steep cliff or rock. It is a beautiful natural feature often found in mountainous areas where water drops vertically.
rapids
A1Rapids are parts of a river where the water flows very fast over rocks. They look white and bubbly and can be dangerous for boats.
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