valley

noun

val·​ley ˈva-lē How to pronounce valley (audio)
plural valleys
Synonyms of valleynext
1
a
: an elongated 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
a
: hollow, depression
b
: the place of meeting of two slopes of a roof that form on the plan a reentrant angle

Synonyms of valley

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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.
When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026 When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. — Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026 Within seconds, cheers echo across the mountain valley as a vehicle soars through the sky before plummeting down below. — Carmela Asmar, USA Today, 2 July 2026 At the same time that was going on, sensors located in the valley at the center of the spreading region started experiencing a drop. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing valley

Rhymes for valley

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Browse Nearby Words

Valletta
valley
valley board
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Cite this Entry

“Valley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valley. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of valley for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about valley

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