noun

weir

weer

noun

A low dam built across a river or stream to control the water level or the rate of flow.

"The old mill still gets its power from the weir just below the bridge."

"Salmon leap over the weir on their way upstream to spawn."

A fence or barrier set across a river to trap fish.

"Ancient fishing weirs made of woven branches have been found along the riverbank."

How to Use Weir

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small barrier built across a river, usually to control the water level or to catch fish.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "we're" (we are) or "were" (past tense of "be") — they sound identical.

Easily confused with

were → we're →

Common pairings

a weir on the river water flows over the weir salmon weir

weirs plural, Weirs plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The old mill still gets its power from the _____ just below the bridge.

From Old English wer, related to a verb meaning "to dam up" — the same root that gives us "warranty."

heir Meir their