a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
"The hikers found shelter beneath an old bridge where a clear stream flowed through the dense forest."
A small river; a large creek; a body of moving water confined by banks.
"After hiking through the dense forest, we found our way to a quiet stream that ran clear and cold between mossy banks."
In plain English: A stream is a small, narrow river that flows through the land.
"The mountain stream flowed gently over the smooth rocks."
to extend, wave or float outward, as if in the wind
"their manes streamed like stiff black pennants in the wind"
rain heavily
"Put on your rain coat-- it's pouring outside!"
To flow in a continuous or steady manner, like a liquid.
"The rain began to stream down the windowpane, blurring the view of the garden outside."
In plain English: To stream means to play digital content directly over the internet without downloading it first.
"The water began to stream down the windowpane after the heavy rain."
Usage: Use this verb to describe liquids moving steadily through channels or data flowing continuously over networks. Avoid confusing it with the noun form when you need an action that implies direction and continuity rather than just existence.
A surname.
"My neighbor, Mr. Stream, waved at me as he walked his dog past the park entrance."
The word stream comes from the Old English strēam, which originally meant a flowing river or current. It traveled into Middle English and eventually modern English with this same core meaning related to water movement.