riv·er·ain I. \ˈrivəˌrān, ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷\adjective Etymology: French, from Middle French riveran, from rivere, riviere river — more at river : relating to a riverbank : situated or dwelling near or on a river : riparian < wooded riverain districts — Cuthbert Christy > < riverain tribes > < an immemorial riverain right — Eliot Gregory > II. noun (-s) Etymology: French, from riverain, adjective : a district situated beside a river