Something that is moving upstream is moving towards the source of a river, from a point further down the river. Something that is upstream is towards the source of a river.
The water rose high enough for them to continue upstream.
...the river police, whose headquarters are just upstream of the Isle St Louis. [+ of]
Cities upstream use the river to get rid of sewage.
He lives about 60 miles upstream from Oahe, near Gettysburg, South Dakota.
[Also + from]
Upstream is also an adjective.
Steps lead down to the subway from the upstream side.
upstream in British English
(ˈʌpˈstriːm)
adverb, adjective
1.
in or towards the higher part of a stream; against the current
2.
(in the oil industry) of or for any of the stages prior to oil production, such as exploration or research
Compare downstream (sense 2)
upstream in American English
(ˈʌpˌstrim; ʌpˈstrim)
adverb, adjective
1.
in the direction against the current of a stream
2.
at or toward the beginning of some process, course of activity, etc.
upstream in the Oil and Gas Industry1
(ʌpstrim)
adjective
(Extractive engineering: General, Operations)
An upstream activity is one that takes place before oil production, for example exploration or research.
COLLOCATIONS: ~ operation~ processing~ facility
Upstream activities are concerned with finding petroleum, compared to downstream which areall the operations that take place after production.
Upstream activities include exploration, acquisition, drilling, developing and producing oiland gas.
An upstream activity is one that takes place before oil production, for example exploration orresearch.
upstream in the Oil and Gas Industry2
(ʌpstrim)
adverb
(Extractive engineering: General, Operations)
If something happens upstream, it takes place during the stages before oil production, for example explorationor research.
Petroleum engineers work upstream and are responsible for the exploration and development of oil and gas fields andwells.
For companies working upstream, investment in research and exploration is vital.
If something happens upstream, it takes place during the stages before oil production, for example explorationor research.
Examples of 'upstream' in a sentence
upstream
The river stretches upstream and down.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The main driver for growth today is engineering, working upstream for various oil projects.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
After rain upstream, the river had risen in the night.
Hyland, Paul Indian Balm - Travels in the Southern Subcontinent (1994)
How often has this happened to me, swimming upstream against the wisdom of crowds?
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Suddenly, one of our number appears from around the bend upstream and makes towards us.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The country plans to present its opportunities in upstream oil and gas at a London conference, probably early next year.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
NOW I know how a salmon feels swimming upstream against the current.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In other languages
upstream
British English: upstream ADVERB
Something that is moving upstream is moving towards the source of a river, from a point further down the river. Something that is upstream is towards the source of a river.