barranca

American  

[buh-rang-kuh, bahr-rahng-kah] / bəˈræŋ kə, bɑrˈrɑŋ kɑ /

noun

plural

barrancas

1. a steep-walled ravine or gorge.

2. a gully with steep sides; arroyo.

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barranca British  

/ bəˈræŋkəʊ, bəˈræŋkə /

noun

1. a ravine or precipice

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Etymology

Origin of barranca

First recorded in 1685–95; from Spanish, variant of barranco, of obscure, probably pre-Latin origin

Example Sentences

Already with a two-shot lead, he was a yard away from an easy birdie on the par-5 eighth when his approach hit a steep bank of the barranca to the left.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 18, 2023

Clark held his nerve to the end and was right there with him, even after a rare errant shot into the barranca on the 17th.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 17, 2023

A steep gully known as a barranca snakes through the course.

From New York Times • Jun. 17, 2023

On your approach, you have to navigate the barranca — the first time you’re going to see the barranca on the course, the defining characteristic of the front nine.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2023

Though by this time the sun was in the sky, it was still sombre darkness at the bottom of the barranca.

From The Bandolero A Marriage among the Mountains by Reid, Mayne