dune

noun

ˈdün How to pronounce dune (audio)
also ˈdyün
Synonyms of dune
: a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind
dunelike
ˈdün-ˌlīk How to pronounce dune (audio)
also ˈdyün-
adjective

Examples of dune in a Sentence

We wandered over the dunes.
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.
Homes were built on beaches, bluffs and dunes during a period when the coastal storm climate was generally mild and there were no real concerns with coastal hazards and future sea-level rise. — Gary Griggs, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026 Options include the sandy beaches and dunes around Cabopino, Las Chapas, Puerto Banús and San Pedro de Alcántara, all with open views across the Mediterranean. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Island-hop to North Stradbroke or Moreton Island, where turquoise surf and wild dunes feel untouched by time. — Alli Forde, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2026 The 1,500-mile race spans eight days of dirt roads, rough tracks and dunes across Nevada, California and Utah. — New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dune

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, from Middle Dutch; akin to Old English dūn down — more at down

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dune was in 1605

Phrases Containing dune

Rhymes for dune

See All Rhymes for dune

Browse Nearby Words

dundrearies
dune
dune buggy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dune. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dune

noun
ˈd(y)ün How to pronounce dune (audio)
: a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind

More from Merriam-Webster on dune

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dune

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dune

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