canyon

noun

can·​yon ˈkan-yən How to pronounce canyon (audio)
variants or less commonly cañon
Synonyms of canyon
1
: a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it
2
: something resembling a canyon
the city's concrete canyons

Synonyms of canyon

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Examples of canyon in a Sentence

as the scouts made their way through the canyon, they marveled at the sheer walls of rock on both sides
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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.
Explore the landscape of rolling plains, steep canyons, and family dynasties with a stake in the land that runs deep. — Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026 More recently, the canyon retreat welcomed a very different kind of high-profile resident seeking solitude. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2026 The lives had layers, like the geological strata of the canyon’s walls. — Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 The Cherry Creek Arch Bridge carries State Highway 83 through the canyon, linking communities from Parker to Colorado Springs. — Karen Leigh, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for canyon

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish cañón, probably alteration of obsolete Spanish callón, augmentative of calle street, from Latin callis footpath

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of canyon was in 1834

Rhymes for canyon

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Browse Nearby Words

cany
canyon
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
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Cite this Entry

“Canyon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canyon. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

canyon

noun
can·​yon
variants also cañon
ˈkan-yən
: a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it

More from Merriam-Webster on canyon

Nglish: Translation of canyon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about canyon

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