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noun Uncommon

gully

GUH-lee
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Gully (noun) means a small, narrow channel or ravine cut into the ground by running water, especially on a hillside. Example: “Rainwater had carved a deep gully down the slope.”

noun
1
A small, narrow channel or ravine cut into the ground by running water, especially on a hillside.
"Rainwater had carved a deep gully down the slope."
2
In cricket, a fielding position on the off side, between the slips and point.
"He took a sharp catch at gully to dismiss the batsman."
3
A drain or channel that carries away surface water.
"Leaves clogged the road gully after the storm."

How to use gully

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small water-worn channel or ditch, or (in cricket) a specific fielding position.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
drainage gully field at gully
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Word forms

Plural
gullies
Third person singular
gullies
Past tense
gullied
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Rainwater had carved a deep _____ down the slope.

Etymology

Of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Middle English golet ("throat, channel"), from Old French goulet, from Latin gula ("throat").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for gully

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Frequently asked questions

What does “gully” mean?
The word “gully” means a small, narrow channel or ravine cut into the ground by running water, especially on a hillside. In plain terms, a small water-worn channel or ditch, or (in cricket) a specific fielding position.
How do you pronounce “gully”?
“Gully” is pronounced GUH-lee (/ˈɡʌli/ in IPA).
How do you use “gully” in a sentence?
Here is “gully” used in a sentence: “Rainwater had carved a deep gully down the slope.”
What part of speech is “gully”?
“Gully” is a noun.
Where does the word “gully” come from?
The word “gully” comes from Latin. Of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Middle English golet ("throat, channel"), from Old French goulet, from Latin gula ("throat").
Is “gully” a common word?
“Gully” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gully” have?
“Gully” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, narrow channel or ravine cut into the ground by running water, especially on a hillside.

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