Murrumbidgee

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A river in southeastern Australia that flows into the Murray River, known for its natural landscapes and biodiversity
2. An Australian watercourse notable for its role in the local ecosystem and its significance to agriculture and irrigation
3. A significant tributary of the Murray River, recognized for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities along its banks

Etymology: The name comes from Wiradjuri, the language of the Aboriginal people of the river's middle valley in New South Wales. It is usually glossed as "big water" or "big river," with "murrum" meaning big and "bidgee" meaning water. These glosses come from later records of the language, so they may not capture every nuance of the original. The river rises in the mountains near the Australian Capital Territory and flows west across inland New South Wales before joining the Murray. Its waters have made it central to farming and irrigation in the region, while the name remains a reminder that Wiradjuri speakers knew this river long before European settlement.

Synonyms: river, watercourse, stream, tributary