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 reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and cover your head, or leave your vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2025

If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. —Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025

In the Dabie Mountains of China, crystal clear streams cut through the ravines and run into deep, rocky pools. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025

This mountainous region, part of the Sierra Madre Oriental, rises sharply from the valley floor, creating a landscape of deep ravines, dense forests, and extreme ecological diversity. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "torrent 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

Rhymes for ravine

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

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