glen

noun

ˈglen How to pronounce glen (audio)
Synonyms of glen
: a secluded narrow valley

Examples of glen in a Sentence

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.
The series will follow a local estate owner, the Laird of Castle Drummoch (Branagh), who challenges the ambitions of an American billionaire intent on buying up large swaths of the glens. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026 Set in the modern Scottish Highlands, Laird is an epic family saga in which a proud Scot defies a shadowy American billionaire hellbent on buying up the glens. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 July 2026 One of the finest temperate rain forests in the United States, the Hoh Rain Forest is worth visiting just for fantastical trails like the Hall of Mosses and Hoh River Trail, which wind through peaceful glens of trees positively dripping with moss. — Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026 Pause for lunch, then drift through fishing villages, beaches and glens that define Donegal’s rugged character. — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for glen

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots), valley, from Scottish Gaelic & Irish gleann, from Old Irish glenn

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glen was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing glen

Rhymes for glen

See All Rhymes for glen

Browse Nearby Words

gleization
glen
Glen Canyon Dam
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glen. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

glen

noun
ˈglen How to pronounce glen (audio)
: a narrow hidden valley

More from Merriam-Webster on glen

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for glen

Nglish: Translation of glen for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about glen

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