canyon

noun

can·​yon ˈkan-yən 

variants or less commonly cañon

1

: a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it

2

: something resembling a canyon

the city's concrete canyons

Synonyms of canyon

• ravine
• gorge
• valley

Examples of canyon in a Sentence

as the scouts made their way through the canyon, they marveled at the sheer walls of rock on both sides

Recent Examples on the Web

The canyon is less than a 20-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip and well worth the trip for a recharge, and the 'gram-friendly photo ops. — Mike Avila, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Located at the gateway to Zion National Park, there’s no better way to experience fall colors than exploring the iconic trails within, and a day hiking The Narrows reveals dramatic canyon walls that frame vibrant trees hanging over the Virgin River. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

The amphitheater is nestled within a canyon, wooded and surrounded by hills on three sides. — David Allen, Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026

The voice-over then states that Williams fatally shot himself and fell into the canyon. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish cañón, probably alteration of obsolete Spanish callón, augmentative of calle street, from Latin callis footpath

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for canyon

• anion
• banyan
• carbanion
• companion

Kids Definition

canyon

noun

can·​yon

variants also cañon

ˈkan-yən

: a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it