bayou

Definition

A slow-moving, often stagnant creek or river.

Etymology

From Louisiana French bayou, from Choctaw bayuk (“a creek”). Doublet of bogue.

Example Sentences

• "You natural persons old and young! / You on the Mississippi and on all the branches and bayous of the Mississippi! / You friendly boatmen and mechanics! you roughs!"
• "At that time I had no staff officer who could be trusted with that duty. In the woods, at a short distance below the clearing, I found a depression, dry at the time, but which at high water became a slough or bayou."