valley

noun

val·​ley ˈva-lē 

plural valleys

1

a

: an elongated 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

a

: hollow, depression

b

: the place of meeting of two slopes of a roof that form on the plan a reentrant angle

Synonyms of valley

• canyon
• ravine
• gorge
• glen
• hollow
• vale
• dale

Examples of valley in a Sentence

the valley will be the first to flood if the river rises

Recent Examples on the Web

According to National Weather Service meteorologist Les Colin, all of Idaho will have a chance for snow later in the week — including the valleys. —Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 13 Feb. 2026

Lincoln’s Rock has long been one of the Blue Mountains’ quieter sunset spots — a rocky overhang with sweeping views across eucalyptus valleys just outside Sydney. —Trista Kurniawan, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026

Divided between the two sides of the valley, there are 74 slopes with various levels of difficulty and nearly 10 ski schools offering lessons. —Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026

Over the weekend, gusts of 50 to 73 mph were recorded on the islands, with the strongest winds downwind of the higher terrain, through valleys, and in other local acceleration areas. —ABC News, 10 Feb. 2026

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

Phrases Containing valley

• inter-valley
• lily of the valley
• rift valley
• San Joaquin valley fever
• valley fever

Rhymes for valley

• alley
• alli
• bally
• calli
• challis
• dally
• galley
• galli
• lally
• mallee
• mally
• rally

Kids Definition

valley

noun

val·​ley ˈval-ē 

plural valleys

: an area of lowland between ranges of hills or mountains