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

Known for its dramatic 300-foot canyon walls, scenic overlooks, and opportunities for hiking and climbing, the remote landscape is also part of the Antelope Valley. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 21 Mar. 2026

Some say hitting the 9000-rpm redline while driving through a canyon is as close as a Porschephile can come to heaven. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026

This ocean canyon heaves waves of shale and basalt, quartz and silt. —Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026

That’s due in large part to its natural beauty—towering mountains, spectacular canyons, and rushing waters inspire hiking, biking, fly-fishing and a number of other outdoor pursuits. —Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 17 Mar. 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