Arroyo (noun)

A dry creek bed that temporarily fills with water after heavy rainfall.

Origin:

From spanish, 'brook' or 'gully'.

Examples:

1. The arroyo was once a river that flowed year-round, but now only sees water a few times a year.
2. The cowboys camped near the arroyo because of the good grass for their horses.
3. The hiker followed the arroyo hoping to find the source of the river.
4. After the flash flood, the once-dry arroyo was filled with rushing water.
5. The arroyo provided a natural boundary for the farmer's property.