What is difference between a stream and river?

Answer 1

The difference between a river and a stream is the name applied to it by local residents, and relative size. In the same region, something called a river is usually larger than something called a stream.

However, something that is called a river in one place could be the same size as something called a stream in another place.

Answer 2

The difference is usually in the volume of water flowing, as they both contain running water. A stream will join a river as a tributary, and increase the volume and flow of water in the river.

Answer 3

A stream is a small, slow-flowing 'branch' of a river. A river usually flows much faster, and is much wider and deeper than a stream.

Answer 4

A river is larger.