rhizoverbBeta
DictionarybrookSmall stream
noun

brook

BRUK/brʊk/

A small natural stream.

The shallow brook runs between grassy banks.

A narrow, shallow natural stream winds between irregular grassy banks, with clear water rippling around small stones and a visible pebble bed.
Etymology
brookOld Englishflowing stream, torrent

Old English broc already meant a flowing stream or torrent. The modern sense retains the flowing-water meaning while specifying a small stream; its deeper origin is obscure.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain9:24
a little way off was a small brook rushing and sparkling along between Green Banks
1900s Fiction: L. Frank Baum - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Audiobook)

More examples

  • Several brooks fed the river.
  • She crossed the brook.
  • A bridge spanned the brook.

Forms

brook · brooks

Similar words

stream
The broader term, often used for larger flows too.
creek
A common US term for a small stream.