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

The standout among the entertaining spaces is the baby-blue kitchen, which extends from the rear of the home into a rounded turret overlooking a ravine. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026

Directed by Mohammed Ali Naqvi, the Sundance 2026 doc tells the story of the high-stakes rescue of six schoolboys and two adults trapped in a cable car 900 feet above a ravine in the remote Himalayan foothills of northern Pakistan. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

The film, which bowed at Sundance and is written and produced by Naqvi and Bilal Sami, captures in jaw-dropping detail how six schoolboys on their way to school were left suspended roughly 900 feet above a ravine after a cable snapped. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

The National Park and World Biosphere Reserve affords nearly 10 miles to hike amid towering ravine walls, flowing streams, and dense forests. — Jennifer Tzeses, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026

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
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between
• bromine

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