ravine

[ ruh-veen ]

noun

1. a narrow steep-sided valley commonly eroded by running water.

ravine

/ rəˈviːn /

noun

1. a deep narrow steep-sided valley, esp one formed by the action of running water

Other Words From

• ra·viney adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ravine¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French: torrent, Old French: a violent rushing; raven ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of ravine¹

C15: from Old French: torrent, from Latin rapīna robbery, influenced by Latin rapidus rapid , both from rapere to snatch

Example Sentences

The jury was shown an image of Isabella that the scientists had superimposed on an X-ray of one of the skulls from the ravine - the first time such evidence had been used in court.

From BBC

The Spanish weather agency has advised people in areas on orange alert to stay away from ravines and waterways, even though they may be dry, because of the risk that they become flooded.

From BBC

Barbara Sastre, the boy’s aunt also told us at least one truck had sliced open the house in a blow that precipitated the boys and their dad being swept towards the nearby ravine.

From BBC

The deep ravine which traverses the town had reportedly been filling with water since Tuesday afternoon following heavy rains.

From BBC

His disappearance prompted a major search and widespread publicity until his body was found in a ravine a month later.

From BBC

Related Words

• abyss
• canyon
• chasm
• crevasse
• crevice
• ditch
• gorge
• gully
• valley