canyon

Everyday

A canyon is a deep, narrow valley with steep rocky sides, usually cut by a river over a very long time. tree →

In the lessons

In geography lessons, canyons show how rivers erode rock over millions of years; the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA, is the most famous. In stories and westerns, canyons are places for adventure and echoes. Phrases: the Grand Canyon, deep canyon, canyon walls.

Examples

• The Grand Canyon is in Arizona. tree →
• The river carved the canyon over millions of years. tree →
• We shouted and heard our echo in the canyon. tree →
• The canyon walls were red and orange. tree →
• Hikers walked down to the bottom of the canyon. tree →
• A canyon is deeper and narrower than most valleys. tree →
• Stay away from the edge of the canyon. tree →

Note

Countable: a canyon, canyons. Spelling: c-a-n-y-o-n, from Spanish cañón. A gorge is similar; canyon is more used in North America. Safety: stay behind barriers at the edge and watch for flash floods in canyons.