valley

noun

val·​ley ˈva-lē How to pronounce valley (audio)
plural valleys
Synonyms of valleynext
1
a
: an elongated 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

Synonyms of valley

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Examples of valley in a Sentence

the valley will be the first to flood if the river rises
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tensions erupted in May 2020 when Indian and Chinese troops violently clashed at multiple points along the LAC, including near Pangong Tso, Chushul, Gogra, Hot Springs, and the Galwan river valley in the Ladakh region. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026 Afternoon temperatures in the desert valleys will climb into the 108 to 114 degree range, and may exceed 115 along the Colorado River Valley and 120 in Death Valley. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026 But the Orlando installation also will not have the amazing hillside setting with its valley and mountain views that the California original promises. — Robert Niles, Oc Register, 21 July 2026 Yosemite Hospitality, a subsidiary of hospitality giant Aramark, manages much of Yosemite’s lodging, dining and activities (including the park’s Starbucks inside the valley). — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for valley

Word History

Etymology

Middle English valeye, borrowed from Anglo-French valee (early Old French valede), from val "valley" + -ee, noun suffix (here with augmentative force), going back to Latin -āta, feminine of -ātus -ate entry 1 — more at vale

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of valley was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing valley

Rhymes for valley

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Browse Nearby Words

Valletta
valley
valley board
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Cite this Entry

“Valley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valley. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

valley

noun
val·​ley ˈval-ē How to pronounce valley (audio)
plural valleys
: an area of lowland between ranges of hills or mountains

More from Merriam-Webster on valley

Nglish: Translation of valley for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about valley

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