canyon

noun

can·​yon ˈkan-yən 

variants or less commonly cañon

1

: a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it

2

: something resembling a canyon

the city's concrete canyons

Synonyms of canyon

• ravine
• gorge
• valley

Examples of canyon in a Sentence

as the scouts made their way through the canyon, they marveled at the sheer walls of rock on both sides

Recent Examples on the Web

Visitors come for the unique rock formations, sandstone canyons, and rolling hills – all laid out across 13 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. — Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 26 June 2026

There are predators in the region, including mountain lions and coyotes, or Gracie could fall on a rock or into a canyon and break a leg, Johnson said. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 24 June 2026

At Garland Ranch, trails climb from the Carmel River through oak woodland, chaparral and shaded canyons with the sort of views that drew people to California in the first place. — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Choose a spot that looks out over Annie Creek and its namesake canyon for some of the most scenic camping in Oregon. — Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish cañón, probably alteration of obsolete Spanish callón, augmentative of calle street, from Latin callis footpath

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for canyon

• anion
• banyan
• carbanion
• companion

Kids Definition

canyon

noun

can·​yon

variants also cañon

ˈkan-yən

: a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it