ravine

noun

ra·​vine rə-ˈvēn 

: a small narrow steep-sided valley that is larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon and that is usually worn by running water

Synonyms

• canyon
• gorge
• valley

Examples of ravine in a Sentence

he urged his horse down into the ravine where there was a thin stream of water flowing

Recent Examples on the Web

When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025

Still, leaping over a 100-foot ravine with a baby clinging to your back seems like a daring choice. —Skylar Knight, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025

Intense rainfall, as common in tropical latitudes, and water vapor in the eruption column can mix with volcanic ash and debris, forming deadly mudflows called lahars by geologists after an Indonesian word for ravines on the slopes of a volcano. —David Bressan, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Lory has 28 miles of trails, several with substantial climbs similar to Arthur’s Rock in ravines that have been remarkably green and lush this spring. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 19 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "torrent of water, gully formed by running water," going back to Middle French, "torrent of water," derivative of raviner "to run quickly, flow forcefully (of blood, water)," derivative of Old French ravine "violent force, momentum," going back to Latin rapīna "forcible carrying off of property, seizure and carrying off of a woman" — more at rapine

Note: See note at ravin.

First Known Use

1687, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ravine

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between

Kids Definition

ravine

noun

ra·​vine rə-ˈvēn 

: a small narrow valley with steep sides that is larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon