valley
10 synonyms and 1 antonyms for valley, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A long, low area of land between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use valley
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French valee, from Latin vallis.
Full origin of valley →Frequently asked questions
What does “valley” mean?
The word “valley” means a long, low area of land between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it. In plain terms, low ground between hills, or the similarly-shaped dip where two roof slopes meet.
How do you pronounce “valley”?
“Valley” is pronounced VA-lee (/ˈvæli/ in IPA).
How do you use “valley” in a sentence?
Here is “valley” used in a sentence: “Mist settled over the valley every morning.”
What is another word for “valley”?
Words with a similar meaning to “valley” include combe, dale, dell, slade and vale.
What is the opposite of “valley”?
The opposite of “valley” — its antonyms — is levée.
What part of speech is “valley”?
“Valley” is a noun.
Where does the word “valley” come from?
The word “valley” comes from Latin. From Old French valee, from Latin vallis.
Is “valley” a common word?
“Valley” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a valley and a canyon?
Both are low areas between higher land, but a canyon is deeper, narrower, and walled by steep, rocky cliffs, usually cut by a river through hard rock. A valley is generally wider, shallower, and more gently sloping, shaped by rivers or glaciers over a long period.
How are valleys formed?
Most valleys are carved slowly by rivers wearing away the land, creating a V-shape. Others are shaped by glaciers, which grind out wider, U-shaped valleys with flat floors. Some form when movements in the earth's crust drop a block of land between two raised, faulted areas.
What are the types of valley?
The two main types are V-shaped valleys, cut by rivers and narrow at the base, and U-shaped valleys, carved by glaciers with wide, flat floors and steep sides. Rift valleys, formed when land sinks between two fault lines, are a third widely recognised type.