noun
Common
dell
dehl
Dell (noun) means a small, deep valley, especially one that is wooded or hollowed out naturally. Example: “We ate our picnic in a quiet dell beneath the oak trees.”
noun
1
A small, deep valley, especially one that is wooded or hollowed out naturally.
"We ate our picnic in a quiet dell beneath the oak trees."
"Bluebells carpeted the little dell behind the old church."
"A stream wound through the shaded dell."
How to use dell
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, cosy valley, usually with trees around it — the kind of word you find in old poems and fairy tales.
When to use it
Mostly literary or poetic; not common in everyday speech.
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Word forms
- Plural
- dells
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We ate our picnic in a quiet _____ beneath the oak trees.
Etymology
From Old English dell ("small dale"), from Proto-Germanic *daljō — related to the English word dale.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for dell
See all rhymes for dell →Frequently asked questions
What does “dell” mean?
The word “dell” means a small, deep valley, especially one that is wooded or hollowed out naturally. In plain terms, a small, cosy valley, usually with trees around it — the kind of word you find in old poems and fairy tales.
How do you pronounce “dell”?
“Dell” is pronounced dehl (/dɛl/ in IPA).
How do you use “dell” in a sentence?
Here is “dell” used in a sentence: “A stream wound through the shaded dell.”
What part of speech is “dell”?
“Dell” is a noun.
Where does the word “dell” come from?
The word “dell” comes from Old English. From Old English dell ("small dale"), from Proto-Germanic *daljō — related to the English word dale.
Is “dell” a common word?
“Dell” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a dell and a valley?
A dell is a small, deep valley, typically one that is wooded or naturally hollowed out, whereas a valley can be of any size and does not need to be small or forested. Dell describes a cozier, more intimate landscape feature, often found in poetry and place names.
Is dell an old-fashioned word?
Dell has a literary and slightly old-fashioned feel today, surviving mainly in poetry, folk songs, and place names rather than everyday speech. It is still understood but less commonly used than plainer terms like valley or hollow.
What kind of landscape does dell typically describe?
A dell specifically describes a small, deep valley that is often wooded or naturally hollowed out, giving it a sheltered, secluded feel. This distinguishes it from broader terms like valley, which can describe much larger or more open landforms.
