dune
Dune (noun) means a mound or ridge of loose sand shaped by wind or water. Example: “The children raced each other up the tallest dune on the beach.”
How to use dune
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hill of sand piled up naturally, found on beaches and in deserts.
Word forms
dunes plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The children raced each other up the tallest _____ on the beach.
Etymology
From Dutch duin via Middle Dutch, itself thought to trace back to a Celtic word for a fortified mound — the same root that gave English the word "down" (as in the South Downs).
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for dune
See all rhymes for dune →Frequently asked questions
What does “dune” mean?
The word “dune” means a mound or ridge of loose sand shaped by wind or water. In plain terms, a hill of sand piled up naturally, found on beaches and in deserts.
How do you pronounce “dune”?
“Dune” is pronounced dyoon (/djuːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “dune” in a sentence?
Here is “dune” used in a sentence: “The children raced each other up the tallest dune on the beach.”
What is the opposite of “dune”?
The opposite of “dune” — its antonyms — is dike.
What part of speech is “dune”?
“Dune” is a noun.
Where does the word “dune” come from?
The word “dune” comes from Dutch. From Dutch duin via Middle Dutch, itself thought to trace back to a Celtic word for a fortified mound — the same root that gave English the word "down" (as in the South Downs).
Is “dune” a common word?
“Dune” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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