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

Gardens of all sizes include water-wise, ornamental and edible plants, natives, succulents, views, chickens, canyons, orchards and more. —Martina Schimitschek, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

The moderate Santa Ana wind event began to pick up on Friday and is also bringing gusty winds that are forecast to peak Saturday, possibly creating some concerns in the mountains and canyon passes. —Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026

The sensation of ripping through six forward gears with the LT4’s stentorian roar echoing off a canyon wall is one of the best in motoring. —Kyle Hyatt, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2026

There are rim trails and Spider Rock, the canyon's iconic sandstone spire soaring 800 feet above the canyon floor. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 5 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