corrie

American  

[kawr-ee, kor-ee] / ˈkɔr i, ˈkɒr i /

noun

Scot.

1. a circular hollow in the side of a hill or mountain.

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corrie British  

/ ˈkɒrɪ /

noun

1. geology another name for cirque

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Etymology

Origin of corrie

First recorded in 1785–95, corrie is from the Scots Gaelic word coire cauldron, whirlpool, hollow

Explanation

A corrie is a bowl-shaped indentation in the side or top of a mountain. Corries are formed by glaciers, and they often turn into small lakes over time as they fill with water. Another name for a corrie is a cirque. These landforms are commonly described as "natural amphitheaters," based on their round, concave shape. It takes glacial ice flowing in different directions to gradually carve a corrie from mountain rock. The deep basin then catches any melting water and forms a lake known as a tarn. Corrie comes from the Scottish Gaelic coire, "pot or cauldron."

Example Sentences

After more than a decade in New York, Corrie is now based in D.C., focusing on how U.S. public and private markets are evolving.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

After more than a decade in the Journal’s New York office, Corrie is now based in D.C., focusing on how investing in public and private markets in the U.S. is evolving.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

Corrie O’Banion, 39, lost her $120,000-a-year job administering federal grants for a federal contractor last February.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

In the years since Arwen and Corrie a number of other storm events have rocked the north east.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

“Corrie, I’ve looked for you everywhere! Oh Corrie, come!”

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom