bank

1. The sloping margin of a stream or river that confines flow to the natural channel during normal stages.

The top of this channel margin may be exceeded during overbank flood flows.

1. A steep slope or face, usually developed in unconsolidated material such as sand or gravel.
2. A shallow area in the sea or other water body, consisting of shifting sediment, and designated by a qualifying word, such as “gravel bank.”