# rapids

/ˈɹæpədz/ (US) · /ɹˈæpɪdz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rapids
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. fast-moving river water

noun · CEFR B2

parts of a river where the water moves very fast and becomes rough because it flows over rocks.

For teachers: sections of a watercourse where the bed has a relatively steep gradient, causing an increase in water velocity and turbulence.

- The kayakers had to be very careful as they paddled through the dangerous rapids.
- Navigating the Class IV rapids required immense technical skill and constant communication between the crew members to avoid capsizing in the turbulent white water.

## Examples

- The boat moved quickly through the white rapids.
- The guide warned us to wear life jackets before we reached the dangerous rapids downstream.
- Navigating the churning rapids requires both physical strength and a keen understanding of how water flows around submerged obstacles.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.