English Reference

Word

rhine

/ˈɹaɪn/

Definition

n. a large ditch or channel used to carry water away from low land. You will mostly hear this word in certain parts of England to describe the drains in flat, wet areas.

n. a large open drainage channel or ditch used to manage water levels on low-lying land. Primarily a regional term used in the West Country of England, particularly the Somerset Levels.

Examples

“The farmer cleared the weeds from the rhine to prevent flooding.”

“After the heavy winter rains, the water in the rhine rose nearly to the level of the surrounding fields.”

“The intricate network of rhines across the Somerset Levels serves as a vital drainage system, maintaining the delicate balance between agricultural utility and wetland conservation.”

Examples

simple

“The farmer cleared the weeds from the rhine to prevent flooding.”

contextual

“After the heavy winter rains, the water in the rhine rose nearly to the level of the surrounding fields.”

complex

“The intricate network of rhines across the Somerset Levels serves as a vital drainage system, maintaining the delicate balance between agricultural utility and wetland conservation.”

Usage

Commonly pronounced to rhyme with 'seen' in its regional context, though 'rhine' (rhyming with 'line') is also used.

Real-World Examples

“The Rhine - another of Europe's key waterway - is also suffering low water levels, which is severely limiting traffic.”
BBC News · 13 Aug 2026
“River levels have been much lower than average - in some places exceptionally low -with the Seine, Rhine and Danube among those particularly affected.”
BBC News · 10 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
C2 · Proficiency
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference