as in canyons
a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage
at one point the steep, ice-encrusted walls of the couloir are no more than 50 feet apart
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of couloirs
For expert skiers, Arapahoe Basin’s East Wall is an irresistible swath of terrain riven by steep chutes and couloirs, all of it requiring hiking to access.
—
John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for couloirs
Noun
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Landscape painters, lithographers, and photographers introduced Easterners to the Romantic West of sublime landscapes filled with tow-ering peaks and deep canyons and Indians who seemed to exist only in small numbers, fated to disappear as American pioneers swept westward.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
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The green Rio Grande rests like a ribbon in the jaws of jagged canyons.—
Lauren Villagran,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Rock Creek Loop traverses approximately seven miles of ravines, creeks, subtropical forest, and small footbridges.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Apr. 2026
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If outside, seek shelter in low-lying areas like ditches or ravines.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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One of the most popular hikes—the Vikos Gorge—journeys through one of the deepest gorges, winding along quiet villages and monasteries.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
23 Mar. 2026
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The Bolaven Plateau is a place where remnants of ancient volcanic activity, such as lava cliffs and extinct volcanic craters, coexist with lush natural landscapes that feature breathtaking waterfalls, deep gorges, and dramatic riverscapes.—
Jasmine Ting,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Grizzlies were once plentiful in California, ranging across its wide valleys as well as along coastal and inland mountain ranges.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2026
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During my most recent visit in 2025, my family and I spent time driving around on the mostly one-lane highway, through the hills and valleys of the six volcanoes that lie rumbling underneath the island.—
Emily Adler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Couloirs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/couloirs. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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