ravine
n. countablen. a deep, narrow valley with steep sides. It is usually smaller than a canyon and was often carved out by running water.
n. a deep, narrow gorge or valley with steep sides, typically formed by the erosive action of a stream or river.
The hikers carefully climbed down into the deep ravine.
Heavy rains turned the dry ravine into a rushing river that washed away the local footbridge.
The narrow trail wound precariously along the edge of the ravine, offering a dizzying view of the jagged rocks and dense brush below.
Borrowed from French ravin (“a gully”), from Old French raviner (“to pillage, sweep down, cascade”), from ravine (“robbery, rapine; violent rush of water, waterfall, avalanche; impetuosity, spirit”), from Latin rapīna (cf. rapine).
From Middle English ravene, ravine, from Old French raviner (“rush, seize by force”), itself from ravine (“rapine”), from Latin rapīna (“plundering, loot”), itself from rapere (“seize, plunder, abduct”).
Commonly used in geographical descriptions and outdoor literature.