dune

noun

ˈdün How to pronounce dune (audio)
 also  ˈdyün
: a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind
dunelike
ˈdün-ˌlīk How to pronounce dune (audio)
 also  ˈdyün-
adjective

Examples of dune in a Sentence

We wandered over the dunes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the Danish coast, BIG trenched a local museum out of the dunes, creating channels that converge on a sunken plaza. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 28 Apr. 2025 The private island includes more than 150 plant species such as cacti, mangroves and native grass and shrubs, barrier dunes, freshwater sinkholes and coastal trails for guests to explore and enjoy. Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 Perched in the dunes with 125 feet of beach along the scenic shore of the Atlantic Ocean, an airy and lavishly appointed ultra-modern villa in Florida‘s Delray Beach has sailed onto the market for $28 million. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2025 Pollinators: Bees, butterflies Fiery blanket flower can be spotted baking in prairies or along roadsides and dunes in sandy soil. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dune

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, from Middle Dutch; akin to Old English dūn down — more at down

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dune was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dune. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

dune

noun
: a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind

More from Merriam-Webster on dune

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