# Canyon

/ˈkænjən/ (US) · /kˈænɪən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/canyon
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a deep valley

noun · CEFR B1

a deep, narrow valley with steep rock walls, often with a river at the bottom.

For teachers: a deep gorge or ravine, typically one with a river flowing through it, characterized by steep cliffs formed by erosion.

- The hikers stood at the edge of the canyon and looked down at the river far below.
- The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years, exposing diverse layers of sedimentary rock in its steep walls.

## Examples

- The river flows through a deep canyon.
- Hikers spent the entire afternoon descending the steep trails into the canyon to reach the riverbed.
- The vast canyon reveals millions of years of geological history through the distinct layers of sediment exposed along its sheer sandstone walls.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.