# gully

/ˈɡəɫi/ (US) · /ɡˈʌli/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gully
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a small valley or deep channel in the ground that water has worn away. It often looks like a narrow, dry riverbed until it rains.

For teachers: a water-worn ravine or narrow channel in the earth, typically formed by the erosive action of running water during heavy rain.

## Examples

- Rainwater rushed down the gully after the storm.
- The hikers had to climb carefully down the steep sides of the gully to reach the other side of the trail.
- Years of unchecked soil erosion had transformed the gentle slope into a series of deep gullies that made the land impossible to farm.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in geography and civil engineering contexts; also refers to a specific fielding position in the sport of cricket.

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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.