ravine
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of ravine
1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French: torrent, Old French: a violent rushing; see raven 2
Explanation
In a Western, outlaws will lie in wait at the top of a ravine, or narrow valley, until they see a traveler entering at the bottom. Then, the outlaws will come pounding down the ravine's steep sides. Ravines can be lonely and violent places averse to settlement as nothing can be built along their steep sides. The word ravine itself derives from the archaic rapin, which is a violent seizure of property. During times of heavy rains and snow melt, a ravine may be filled with violent, rushing water.
Vocabulary lists containing ravine
"The Ravine," Vocabulary from the short story
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Unit 4: Powerful Openings
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"The Ravine" by Graham Salisbury
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Then, to complete arguably one of the most wasted tenures in the history of sports, Ohtani was unconscionably allowed to walk to Chavez Ravine as a free agent with the Angels getting nothing in return.
From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026
Russo then proceeded to list the reasons players gravitate to Chavez Ravine: “Play in L.A. Winning team. Great organization. Good weather. Have a chance to be in the World Series every year.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. — El domingo se volvió a frustrar el sueño de Chavez Ravine.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2025
If the team can reverse its three-games-to-two deficit in the World Series this weekend in Toronto, it would return to Chavez Ravine for a championship celebration.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025
“The Ravine will do this time of day.”
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
