upriver

American  

[uhp-riv-er] / ˈʌpˈrɪv ər /

adverb

1. in the direction of or nearer the source of a river.

   It's hard to paddle a canoe upriver; an upriver settlement of tribes.

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upriver British  

/ ˈʌpˈrɪvə /

adjective

1. towards or near the source of a river

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noun

1. an area located upstream

Etymology

Origin of upriver

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; up- + river ¹

Example Sentences

Pook said the district is releasing less water from its reservoirs now, in order to preserve more for the fall when salmon migrate upriver to spawn.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

A few miles upriver, at Lock 10 on the old canal, workers were busy removing boulders so they could eventually reach the damaged pipe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

With the leak's Maryland location upriver from Washington, much of it found its way to the waters skirting the US capital.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

We’re not like the Chinook salmon that seek out upriver spawning zones or feline species that go into heat each spring and summer.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2025

A horn sounded upriver, and a large cargo barge floated slowly into view.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat