gulch
Gulch (noun) means a narrow, steep-sided ravine, often cut by flash floods, shallower than a canyon. Example: “The old mining town sat at the bottom of a rocky gulch.”
How to use gulch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, steep valley or ravine, often dry, carved out by running water.
A gulch is typically deeper and narrower than a gully but smaller than a canyon or gulf — the terms overlap but aren't identical.
Word forms
gulched past tense, gulches plural, gulches singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old mining town sat at the bottom of a rocky _____.
Etymology
From an earlier form "gulsh," related to Middle English gulchen ("to gulp, spew"); probably connected to "gulp."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for gulch
See all rhymes for gulch →Frequently asked questions
What does “gulch” mean?
The word “gulch” means a narrow, steep-sided ravine, often cut by flash floods, shallower than a canyon. In plain terms, a small, steep valley or ravine, often dry, carved out by running water.
How do you pronounce “gulch”?
“Gulch” is pronounced guhlch (/ɡʌlt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “gulch” in a sentence?
Here is “gulch” used in a sentence: “The old mining town sat at the bottom of a rocky gulch.”
What part of speech is “gulch”?
“Gulch” is a noun.
Where does the word “gulch” come from?
The word “gulch” comes from Middle English. From an earlier form "gulsh," related to Middle English gulchen ("to gulp, spew"); probably connected to "gulp.".