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 gunman crashes his vehicle into a ravine adjacent to the school, according to McCraw. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2026

The sandstone ravines of Turkey Run State Park are about a 20 minute drive. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 20 Jan. 2026

But the grant was canceled anyway, leaving hundreds of residents in limbo and reliant on the same pipes that carry sewage to ravines, ditches and yards. —Tammy Webber, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026

Three animal control officers returned to the area and used the thermal drone to pinpoint the exact location of the missing pet, then waded through dense brush and a steep ravine to bring the animal to safety, Animal Services Manager Kyle Werner said. —Claire Wang, Oc Register, 13 Jan. 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
• 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