valley

val·ley

noun \ˈva-lē\

plural valleys

Definition of VALLEY

1

a : an elongate depression of the earth's surface usually between ranges of hills or mountains b : an area drained by a river and its tributaries

2

: a low point or condition

3

a : hollow, depression b : the place of meeting of two slopes of a roof that form on the plan a reentrant angle

Examples of VALLEY

1. <the valley will be the first to flood if the river rises>

Origin of VALLEY

Middle English valeye, from Anglo-French valee, from val valley — more at vale

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to VALLEY

Synonyms: dale, dene [British], hollow, vale

Related Words: canyon (also cañon), combe (also coombe or coomb) [British], dell, depression, dingle, glen, gorge, gulch, gully (also gulley), kloof [South African], ravine, rift valley; basin, bowl

Near Antonyms: alp, mount, mountain, peak; height, mountaintop, pinnacle, summit; plateau, tableland

[+]more[-]hide

Other Geology Terms

anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale

Rhymes with VALLEY

alley, bally, challis, dally, galley, gally, mallee, pally, rally, sally, Schally, tally