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Definition of willamette
willamette
/wɪˈlæm.ət/
Wil · lam · ette
willamette Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
7
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
American A major tributary of the Columbia River located entirely within the US state of Oregon, flowing northward between the Cascade Range and the Coast Range.
Example
"The Willamette River runs through the heart of Portland before joining the Columbia River."
2
American A fertile valley in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, stretching along the Willamette River in Oregon and famous for its agriculture and wine production.
Example
"Many pioneers on the Oregon Trail sought to settle in the lush Willamette Valley."
• Rhymes for willamette
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from a Kalapuyan indigenous word, possibly 'Wal-lam-t', referring to a prominent village near the falls of the river. It was adapted by French fur trappers as 'Ouallamet' before being Anglicized to 'Willamette'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Willamette. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/willamette