dune

[ doon, dyoon ]

noun

1. a sand hill or sand ridge formed by the wind, usually in desert regions or near lakes and oceans.

dune

/ djuːn /

noun

1. a mound or ridge of drifted sand, occurring on the sea coast and in deserts

dune

/ do̅o̅n /

1. A hill or ridge of wind-blown sand. Dunes are capable of moving by the motion of their individual grains but usually keep the same shape.
2. See more at barchan dune

Word History and Origins

Origin of dune¹

1780–90; < French, Old French < Middle Dutch dūna; cognate with down ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of dune¹

C18: via Old French from Middle Dutch dūne; see down ³

Related Words

• knoll
• ridge
• sand dune