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Definition of orinoco
orinoco
/ˌɔːr.ɪˈnoʊ.koʊ/
Or · i · no · co
Adjective:Orinocan
orinoco Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
7
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A major river in northern South America that flows primarily through Venezuela and Colombia, forming one of the longest river systems on the continent before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.
Example
"The expedition spent weeks navigating the dense, biodiverse rainforests along the banks of the Orinoco."
Word Nuance & Usage
As with most major geographical rivers in English, it is typically preceded by the definite article (i.e., 'the Orinoco').
• Rhymes for orinoco
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the indigenous Warao language word 'Orinucu', meaning 'a place to paddle' or 'navigable river'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Orinoco. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/orinoco