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 of ravine

• canyon
• gorge
• valley

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

However, the weeks surrounding them can provide spectacular views of their own, as the line separating night from day, known as the terminator, sweeps across its surface, throwing ancient craters, ravines and mountain ranges into relief. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Dec. 2025

Embark on a Hozugawa River boat cruise, a scenic 90-minute journey through forested ravines once used to transport goods—including sake and rice—into Kyoto. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Dec. 2025

At one point, a horse and rider jump over a ravine, and the rider is pulled to safety, but the horse just… vanishes. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Dec. 2025

When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Nov. 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