The study presents a novel classification of meandering channels, as well as the hydrological and morphological drivers of their evolution. The classification includes bends in the flow that are not related to channel patterns and that exist under small runoff and sandy channel-forming sediments; side-bar channels, in which the sinuosity of the flow enveloping the side channels is manifested during the low-water period, normal bends in the channel that form specific patterns; morphologically homogeneous sections; characteristic of the sleeves of channels; floodplain-channel branches and bifurcated channels; large meanders formed on rivers with large floodplains, where the tops of adjacent meanders are located near or at opposite ends of the valley; and meander belts. For incised meanders, characteristic of limited conditions for the development of channel deformations, their shape and parameters are associated with a greater specific value of the channel-forming water flow (due to the absence of dispersion of runoff across the flooded floodplain), a reflection of the greatest water content of the river throughout the history of its existence (inherited meanders) or the geological and geomorphological structure of the territory. The morphological manifestations of the structural levels of meandering (normal and large meanders) are reflected in the newly developed, comprehensive classification of river channels. This classification includes both the meanders that determine the type and form of morphologically homogeneous sections of the channel, and the meanders of the branches of channel, floodplain-channel branches and bifurcated channels. Various forms of meandering channels and structural levels of meandering should be taken into account when substantiating water management, route (on shipping rivers) and hydraulic engineering measures, developing forecasts of channel reformations and paleochannel and palehydrological analysis.