downstream

/ˌdaʊnˈstɹiːm/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: downstreams · downstreaming · downstreamed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Toward the lower part of a stream; with the current (of a river, brook, or other flow of fluid).

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Occurring later than something else; (also, usually, especially) influenced by something else; being a consequence of something else.

Adjective

Examples

Input validation is downstream of input entry in the runtime process.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Following the path of a river or stream.

Adverb

Examples

We spent the day paddling downstream in our canoes.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To stream downward.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “downstream” mean?

Toward the lower part of a stream; with the current (of a river, brook, or other flow of fluid).

Is “downstream” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.