ravine

noun

ra·​vine rə-ˈvēn How to pronounce ravine (audio)
: a small narrow steep-sided valley that is larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon and that is usually worn by running water

Examples of ravine in a Sentence

he urged his horse down into the ravine where there was a thin stream of water flowing
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.
The cyclist was helped from the ravine and emergency services transported him on a stretcher to the hospital. Natasha Dye, People.com, 27 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, 26 May 2025 If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 25 May 2025 While the 17th hole sits on one side of the 11,000-square-foot luxury house, one of Kapalua’s most dramatic jungle ravines is on the other side. Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ravine

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "torrent of water, gully formed by running water," going back to Middle French, "torrent of water," derivative of raviner "to run quickly, flow forcefully (of blood, water)," derivative of Old French ravine "violent force, momentum," going back to Latin rapīna "forcible carrying off of property, seizure and carrying off of a woman" — more at rapine

Note: See note at ravin.

First Known Use

1687, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ravine was in 1687

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ravine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ravine. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

ravine

noun
ra·​vine rə-ˈvēn How to pronounce ravine (audio)
: a small narrow valley with steep sides that is larger than a gully and smaller than a canyon

More from Merriam-Webster on ravine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!