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
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of couloirs
For expert skiers, Arapahoe Basin’s East Wall is an irresistible swath of terrain riven by steep chutes and couloirs, all of it requiring hiking to access.
—
John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for couloirs
Noun
-
Over 14,000 years ago, the 18 sandstone canyons within the park were shaped by meltwater from glaciers.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Wind prone canyons along US-395 may exceed 65 mph.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
If outside, seek shelter in low-lying areas like ditches or ravines.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The area has deep ravines and dense vegetation.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Stone villages cling to hillsides above orchards while rivers slice through limestone gorges below.—
Rob Crossan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Then there’s the ice that’s been frozen in its tracks while cascading down cliffs and gorges.—
Brian Higgins,
Outside,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The vistas offer sweeping views of the forest, valleys, and bluffs below.—
Erika Ebsworth-Goold,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Mar. 2026
-
In spring, the lower valleys of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) burst into color with wild cherry and fruit tree blossoms, especially around the Tirthan Valley and Sainj Valley regions.—
Alexandra Gillespie,
Outside,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Couloirs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/couloirs. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
