weir
/wɪə̯/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: weirs
Sense 1
Meaning · English
An adjustable dam placed across a river to regulate the flow of water downstream.
Noun
Examples
Though Hambleden's parish register records the death, in 1753, of a bargeman 'Kill'd by accident, shooting ye lock', the turbulent waters of Mill End weir on the River Thames, about a mile from the village, still attract canoeists.
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 2
Meaning · English
A fence placed across a river to catch fish.
Noun
Examples
The Taff is naturally a good salmon river, the Ely a sea trout river, but what with weirs and pollusions the fish have been pretty well exterminated.
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).
Common questions
What does “weir” mean?
An adjustable dam placed across a river to regulate the flow of water downstream.
Is “weir” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.