gulch
n. countablen. a deep, narrow valley with steep sides. It is often found in dry or mountainous areas where water has carved the land over time.
n. a deep, narrow valley or ravine, typically formed by the erosive action of water. Often used in geological or topographical contexts to describe a specific type of landform.
The hikers followed the stream down into the deep gulch.
After the heavy rain, the dry gulch was transformed into a rushing stream that carved new paths through the red clay.
The explorers navigated the treacherous gulch, where the steep walls provided a natural barrier against the wind but made any attempt at a wide turn impossible.
From earlier gulsh (“sink in, gush out”), from Middle English gulchen (“to gulp, spew”), probably from the source of gulp. Likely not related to gully (“ravine formed by water”) despite the similarities.