dune

noun

ˈdün How to pronounce dune (audio)
 also  ˈdyün
: a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind
dunelike
ˈdün-ˌlīk How to pronounce dune (audio)
 also  ˈdyün-
adjective

Examples of dune in a Sentence

We wandered over the dunes.
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.
With 2 miles of pristine sand and natural dunes, the beach was gifted to the city in the 1800s to ensure year-round public access. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 May 2025 Set on a private reserve among ancient, towering dunes and stark, lunar-like plains, the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge blends seamlessly into the landscape. AFAR Media, 30 May 2025 One dreamy image spotlighted the couple as dozens of birds flew away, with other adorable flicks of the pair kissing near adjacent dunes and with staggering mountains behind them included in the carousel as well. Raven Brunner, People.com, 28 May 2025 Once the old causeway surface asphalt is removed, the beach fronts along the southern edge would expand from between 50 to 150 feet -- enough space to add dunes and a dunewalk, a multi-use path, a segregated two-way bike lane, beach parking and thousands of shade trees and plants. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dune

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, from Middle Dutch; akin to Old English dūn down — more at down

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dune was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dune. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

dune

noun
: a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind

More from Merriam-Webster on dune

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