Something that is moving upriver is moving toward the source of a river, from a point down the river. Something thatis upriver is toward the source of a river.
Heavy goods could be brought upriver in barges.
upriver in British English
(ˈʌpˈrɪvə)
adjective, adverb
1.
towards or near the source of a river
noun
2.
an area located upstream
upriver in American English
(ˈʌpˈrɪvər)
adverb, adjective
toward the source of a river; in the direction against the current of a river
Examples of 'upriver' in a sentence
upriver
Outside, the summer evening was swaying home like a belly dancer returning to her scarlet caravan upriver.
Edward Docx THE CALLIGRAPHER (2003)
Not upriver because Rouen has a low bridge which we couldn't possibly get under because of the masts.
Terman, Douglas CORMORANT (2003)
No doubt he was getting ready to accompany the royal family on its progress upriver tomorrow.
Julian May IRONCROWN MOON: PART TWO OF THE BOREAL MOON TALE (2003)