valley

noun

val·​ley ˈva-lē How to pronounce valley (audio)
plural valleys
1
a
: an elongate depression of the earth's surface usually between ranges of hills or mountains
b
: an area drained by a river and its tributaries
2
: a low point or condition
3
b
: the place of meeting of two slopes of a roof that form on the plan a reentrant angle

Examples of valley in a Sentence

the valley will be the first to flood if the river rises
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.
Cades Cove Feel enveloped in mountain majesty by visiting this scenic valley in Townsend, Tennessee that’s fully surrounded by the mountain range. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 18 May 2025 When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 May 2025 The elaborate tombs can be found overlooking towns, valleys and shorelines and often the scramble to reach them is part of the adventure. Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 17 May 2025 Those bodies of liquid carve out shorelines, valleys, mountain ridges, icy boulders, mesas and dunes. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for valley

Word History

Etymology

Middle English valeye, borrowed from Anglo-French valee (early Old French valede), from val "valley" + -ee, noun suffix (here with augmentative force), going back to Latin -āta, feminine of -ātus -ate entry 1 — more at vale

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of valley was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Valley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valley. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

valley

noun
val·​ley ˈval-ē How to pronounce valley (audio)
plural valleys
: an area of lowland between ranges of hills or mountains

More from Merriam-Webster on valley

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