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

Trails in the area can also take visitors down into the canyons, through downtown Laguna Beach, or even into neighboring towns. —Acacia Gabriel, Travel + Leisure, 13 Nov. 2025

In addition, there will be a significant risk for rockslides and mudslides in mountain and canyon roadways. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025

In addition to the faster commute across the canyon, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge was built to boost tourism and economic growth in the region. —Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025

That’s because well-off Angelenos tend to live on mountains and hillsides and in canyons that are covered in highly flammable chaparral, which are an excellent breeding ground for rapidly spreading fires, driven by Santa Ana winds of up to 100 mph. —Todd Longwell, Variety, 12 Nov. 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