canyon

/ˈkænjən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: canyons · canyoning · canyoned

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A valley, especially a long, narrow, steep valley, cut in rock by a river.

Noun

Examples

After we have crossed the Glenderamackin stream, which drains the northern slopes of Saddleback, and the latter has united with the St. John's Beck to form the Greta, however, we see ahead the miniature canyon the Greta has hollowed out for itself, and into the depth of which the train now descends.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Of water, liquid, or another substance, to flow in or into a canyon.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “canyon” mean?

A valley, especially a long, narrow, steep valley, cut in rock by a river.

Is “canyon” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.