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

• col
• couloir
• defile
• flume
• gap
• gill [British]
• gorge
• gulch
• gulf
• kloof [South African]
• linn [chiefly Scottish]
• notch
• pass
• ravine
• saddle

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

The indoor-outdoor flow and natural materials will nod to the surroundings, while a central lodge with 360 canyon views will act as a communal gathering space. —Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

The Gulf would become a shipping channel, with 900-foot tankers traversing its narrow deep-water canyons that great whales and other marine species have evolved over millions of years to depend on for food, communication, mating, shelter and safe passage. —Joel Reynolds, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025

Read Next California ‘Ethereal’ canyon hideaway for sale in CA was designed by scientists. —Tj MacIas, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025

Outside, lush canyon views frame a resort-style pool, spa, cabana, fire pit, and a cascading waterfall flowing into a tranquil stream. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025

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