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 as Hawaiʻi’s Garden Island, Kauaʻi embraces a multitude of landscapes, from the deeply creased and forested canyons of the North Shore to the sunny beaches and tropical botanical treasures of the south. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026

But the big ticket moment comes in the morning, when coffee is delivered to you in bed and the tent canopy is drawn to reveal the sun hitting the looming red rocks of the canyon. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Other trails stretch beyond the giant trees, winding into river canyons and through dense forest. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2026

Downtown Fort Worth streets are canyons of brick and steel, where sound reverberates off buildings, often to the annoyance of those who call the area home. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 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