# Lyn

/ˈɫɪn/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a small, narrow valley with trees and water. It is a very old word used mostly in the names of places in England.

For teachers: a small, wooded valley or ravine, often containing a stream. Primarily found in British English toponymy and historical geographical descriptions.

## Examples

- The path leads down into a quiet, green lyn.
- The village is nestled at the bottom of a steep lyn where the river meets the sea.
- Ancient settlements in this region were frequently established within the shelter of a lyn to protect inhabitants from the harsh winds of the open plateau.

## Usage notes

- Often appears as a suffix or prefix in English place names (e.g., King's Lynn).

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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.