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

• 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

Badlands, North Dakota North Dakota’s Badlands is known for its rugged landscape, including sweeping hills, prairie grasses, canyons and rock formations, as well as native wildlife. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025

All these activities are enhanced by the world-class, award-winning amenities at Red Ledges, beginning with the scenic, 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, which showcases winding canyons, dramatic red rock cliffs, and stunning mountain vistas. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025

Some deep valleys and yawning canyons descend more than 3,000 feet. —Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025

Many travelers opt to take a four-wheeler down the Sand Highway, a one-way trail into a canyon on the boundary of the dunes, and the South Boundary Trail, which winds along the eastern side of the main dune area. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 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