ravine

noun

ra·​vine rə-ˈvēn 

: a small narrow steep-sided valley that is larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon and that is usually worn by running water

Synonyms

• canyon
• cañon
• col
• couloir
• defile
• flume
• gap
• gill [British]
• gorge
• gulch
• gulf
• kloof [South African]
• linn [chiefly Scottish]
• notch
• pass
• saddle

Examples of ravine in a Sentence

he urged his horse down into the ravine where there was a thin stream of water flowing

Recent Examples on the Web

If that's not an option, either crouch down inside your car while protecting your head or leave the vehicle and take cover in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine. —David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024

Then their decayed remains began to turn up in the dense national forest that surrounds Placerville, dumped behind rocks or deep in ravines veiled by towering pines. —Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024

Security forces have been searching for victims in ravines and underground garages, including a large parking lot at the Bonaire shopping center in Aldaia. —Atika Shubert, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024

Gino Mäder, 26, died in June 2023 after crashing down a ravine at the Tour de Suisse. —Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 28 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "torrrent of water, gully formed by running water," going back to Middle French, "torrent of water," derivative of raviner "to run quickly, flow forcefully (of blood, water)," derivative of Old French ravine "violent force, momentum," going back to Latin rapīna "forcible carrying off of property, seizure and carrying off of a woman" — more at rapine

Note: See note at ravin.

First Known Use

1687, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ravine

noun

ra·​vine rə-ˈvēn 

: a small narrow valley with steep sides that is larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon