Upstream/ˌʌpˈstriːm/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/2River Source Use 'upstream' to talk about moving or located towards a river's starting point. The campsite is upstream, closer to the mountain spring. Pro Tip 2/2Against Current When something is going 'upstream,' it's against the water's flow, often showing difficulty. Salmons leap upstream during their spawning season.