Which of the following describes a large natural stream of water that flows over land?

A large natural stream of water that flows over land is referred to as a river. Rivers are typically broader and deeper than streams or creeks and often have significant lengths, sometimes spanning across multiple regions or even countries. They play critical roles in ecosystems and can influence human settlements, agriculture, and transportation.

Streams and creeks, while also flowing bodies of water, are generally smaller than rivers and may not have the same sustained flow or volume. Lakes are bodies of standing water, not flowing, and thus do not describe the movement characteristic of rivers. This distinction helps clarify why “river” is the most fitting term for a large natural waterway flowing over land.