The Waal (Dutch name, pronounced [ʋaːl]) is the main distributary branch of the river Rhine flowing approximately 80 km (50 mi) through the Netherlands.

Before it reaches Rotterdam, it joins with the Afgedamde Maas near Woudrichem to form the Boven Merwede.

Along its length, Nijmegen, Tiel, Zaltbommel and Gorinchem are towns of importance with direct access to the river.

It is, in turn, thought to have inspired early Dutch settlers of the Hudson Valley region in New York to name the Wallkill River after it (Waalkil "Waal Creek").

Some of the cut-off bends are still visible near the main river and are sometimes reconnected to it in times of high water levels.