Kill (body of water) facts for kids

A kill is a special word for a body of water, like a small river or a creek. It can also mean a tidal inlet (where the ocean water flows in and out), a bigger river, or even a narrow passage connecting two larger bodies of water, like a strait. This word comes from the old Dutch word kille, which meant "riverbed" or "water channel". You'll mostly hear the word "kill" in places in North America that were once Dutch colonies, especially around the Hudson Valley and Delaware Valley in the United States.

What is a "Kill"?

The word "kill" is used to describe different kinds of waterways. Most often, it refers to a creek, which is a small natural flow of water. But it can also describe a river, a strait (a narrow water passage), or even an arm of the sea (a part of the ocean that reaches inland).

Where Does the Word Come From?

The word "kill" comes from the Middle Dutch language. The original word was kille, and in modern Dutch, it's kil. Both words mean "riverbed" or "water channel". When Dutch settlers came to North America and formed the colony of New Netherland, they brought this word with them. That's why you find it in place names in areas like the Hudson Valley and Delaware Valley, which were once under Dutch influence.

Places Named "Kill"

You can find "kill" used in two main ways in place names: by itself or as part of a longer name.

"Kill" Used Alone

Sometimes, "kill" is used as a standalone name for a body of water. Here are a few examples:

• Bronx Kill: This waterway is located between the Bronx and Randalls and Wards Islands in New York.
• Arthur Kill and Kill Van Kull: These are two important waterways that separate Staten Island, New York, from New Jersey.
• Fresh Kills: This is another example in New York.

"Kill" as Part of a Name

More often, "kill" is joined with another word to create a full name for a place or a body of water.

• Catskill Mountains: A famous mountain range in New York.
• Cresskill, New Jersey: A town in New Jersey.
• Fishkill, New York: A town in New York.
• Peekskill, New York: Another town in New York.
• Schuylkill River: An important river in Pennsylvania.
• Raymondskill Falls: A beautiful waterfall in Pennsylvania.
• Wallkill, New York: A town in New York.
• Batten Kill: A river that flows through Vermont and New York.

Modern Dutch Use

In the Netherlands today, the spelling of the word is usually 'kil' with a single 'l'. You can see this in names like Dordtsche Kil, Sluiskil, or Kil van Hurwenen. Sometimes, you might also find this single 'l' spelling in North America.