as in canyons
a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage
at one point the steep, ice-encrusted walls of the couloir are no more than 50 feet apart
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of couloirs
Set against the stunning backdrop of five peaks, Breckenridge’s Ski & Ride School offers a diverse range of features, including rock drops, couloirs, and expansive bowl skiing.
—
Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for couloirs
Noun
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Yet, these sleek, wild, predator cats roam the foothills and mountains from Ventura to San Diego, slipping in and out of millions of backyards and dozens of local canyons mostly unseen, except for those fuzzy images captured by trail cameras and home surveillance videos.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Picture sipping coffee as the sun rises over the Rockies, or gliding past red rock canyons en route to Glacier National Park, all from the comfort of a panoramic observation car.—
Paris Wilson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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So where fiber connections may be expensive to make (think rivers and ravines, for instance), or where permitting is very challenging, FSO could provide just the solution.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
22 Dec. 2025
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However, the weeks surrounding them can provide spectacular views of their own, as the line separating night from day, known as the terminator, sweeps across its surface, throwing ancient craters, ravines and mountain ranges into relief.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Then there’s the ice that’s been frozen in its tracks while cascading down cliffs and gorges.—
Brian Higgins,
Outside,
28 Jan. 2026
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Turn off your notifications and explore the string of eight state parks in the area, marveling at massive waterfalls, river gorges, and sweeping Superior views.—
Joie Probst,
Midwest Living,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Plus, the patterns originate in different valleys and regions, getting passed down and adapted over time.—
Blair Braverman,
Outside,
26 Jan. 2026
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While the latest census from 2021 estimates nearly double that number now soar through the valleys, these tropical birds are still critically endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).—
Brianna Randall,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Couloirs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/couloirs. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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