noun Uncommon

gully

GUH-lee

Gully (noun) means a small, narrow channel or ravine cut into the ground by running water, especially on a hillside. Example: “Rainwater had carved a deep gully down the slope.”

noun

A small, narrow channel or ravine cut into the ground by running water, especially on a hillside.

"Rainwater had carved a deep gully down the slope."

In cricket, a fielding position on the off side, between the slips and point.

"He took a sharp catch at gully to dismiss the batsman."

A drain or channel that carries away surface water.

"Leaves clogged the road gully after the storm."

How to use gully

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small water-worn channel or ditch, or (in cricket) a specific fielding position.

Easily confused with

gulch →

Common pairings

drainage gully field at gully

Word forms

gullied past tense, gullies plural, gullies plural, Gullys plural, gullies singular

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Can you complete this real example?

Rainwater had carved a deep _____ down the slope.

Etymology

Of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Middle English golet ("throat, channel"), from Old French goulet, from Latin gula ("throat").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for gully

fully sully bully cully Tully Scully awfully joyfully lawfully woefully hopefully fearfully

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Frequently asked questions

What does “gully” mean?

The word “gully” means a small, narrow channel or ravine cut into the ground by running water, especially on a hillside. In plain terms, a small water-worn channel or ditch, or (in cricket) a specific fielding position.

How do you pronounce “gully”?

“Gully” is pronounced GUH-lee (/ˈɡʌli/ in IPA).

How do you use “gully” in a sentence?

Here is “gully” used in a sentence: “Rainwater had carved a deep gully down the slope.”

What part of speech is “gully”?

“Gully” is a noun.

Where does the word “gully” come from?

The word “gully” comes from Latin. Of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Middle English golet ("throat, channel"), from Old French goulet, from Latin gula ("throat").

Is “gully” a common word?

“Gully” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “gully” have?

“Gully” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, narrow channel or ravine cut into the ground by running water, especially on a hillside.