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

And at Wallow Hallow Woods, tucked across the ravines and slopes unscathed by fire, beech and maple trees still grow. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 29 Oct. 2025

In the Dominican Republic, 12 provinces are on red alert due to possible flooding of rivers, streams and ravines as well as flash floods and landslides. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025

His aged dog disappears and is later found dead at the bottom of a ravine. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025

If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 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