English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

gulch

guhlch
Quiz me More like this

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.”

noun
1
A narrow, steep-sided ravine, often cut by flash floods, shallower than a canyon.
"The old mining town sat at the bottom of a rocky gulch."

How to use gulch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small, steep valley or ravine, often dry, carved out by running water.

Common mistake

A gulch is typically deeper and narrower than a gully but smaller than a canyon or gulf — the terms overlap but aren't identical.

Easily confused with
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like gulch.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
gulches
Third person singular
gulches
Past tense
gulched
Test yourself on “gulch” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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."

Origin: Middle English

Related words

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.".

People also searched