the Mississippi River
/ðə ˌmɪsɪsɪpi ˈrɪvə(r)/
/ðə ˌmɪsɪsɪpi ˈrɪvər/
- a major river of North America that flows from the US state of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It was called the 'Father of Waters' by Native Americans. It is 2 348 miles/3 778 kilometres long and passes the cities of Minneapolis, St Louis, Memphis and New Orleans. The Missouri River is connected to it, and together they form the third largest river system in the world (3 741 miles/6 019 kilometres long). The Mississippi is an important transport route and is known for its 19th-century river boats. see also Ol' Man River