valley

noun

val·​ley ˈva-lē How to pronounce valley (audio)
plural valleys
1
a
: an elongate depression of the earth's surface usually between ranges of hills or mountains
b
: an area drained by a river and its tributaries
2
: a low point or condition
3
b
: the place of meeting of two slopes of a roof that form on the plan a reentrant angle

Examples of valley in a Sentence

the valley will be the first to flood if the river rises
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Photo : Anthony Barcelo One of the bedrooms has its own fireplace and terrace with views over the valley. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2025 With each turn, new vistas unfold, from verdant valleys to dramatic gorges and panoramic views that stretch to the distant sea. Shelby Knick, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 My valley coincided with a pandemic, so that really made some of that harder. Nick Romano, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2025 East Greenland is dominated by towering mountains, vast valleys, and is home to the most isolated town in the western hemisphere, Ittoqqortoormiit, where wild animals roam and nature is at its purest. Dobrina Zhekova, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for valley

Word History

Etymology

Middle English valeye, borrowed from Anglo-French valee (early Old French valede), from val "valley" + -ee, noun suffix (here with augmentative force), going back to Latin -āta, feminine of -ātus -ate entry 1 — more at vale

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of valley was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Valley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valley. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

valley

noun
val·​ley ˈval-ē How to pronounce valley (audio)
plural valleys
: an area of lowland between ranges of hills or mountains

More from Merriam-Webster on valley

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