dene

or dean

[ deen ]

noun

, British.

1. a bare, sandy tract or low sand hill near the sea.

Dene

¹

/ ˈdɛneɪ; ˈdɛnɪ /

plural noun

1. the North American Indian peoples of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories in Canada. The official body representing them is called the Dene Nation

dene

²

/ diːn /

noun

1. dialect.
   a sandy stretch of land or dune near the sea

dene

³

/ diːn /

noun

1. a valley, esp one that is narrow and wooded

Word History and Origins

Origin of dene¹

1815–20; earlier den, in same sense, Middle English (in phrase den and strond ); perhaps to be identified with Middle English dene, Old English denu, dænu valley

Word History and Origins

Origin of dene¹

via French déné, from Athapascan dene people

Origin of dene²

C13: probably related to Old English dūn hill; see down ³

Origin of dene³

Old English denu valley; see den

Example Sentences

The whole party had migrated for the day, to the hills at a distance of about ten miles from Craddock Dene.

From Project Gutenberg

She was longing to urge her to leave Craddock Dene, but was deterred by the knowledge of the uselessness of such advice.

From Project Gutenberg

It was not long after this conversation, that Craddock Dene was thrilled by another piece of matrimonial news.

From Project Gutenberg

Captain Dene pulled at his moustache as though puzzled how to act.

From Project Gutenberg

I had no thought to see the dear lad married so soon, nor to give up my home at the Dene yet, in favor of a new mistress.

From Project Gutenberg