dune

[doon, dyoon]

noun

1. a sand hill or sand ridge formed by the wind, usually in desert regions or near lakes and oceans.

dune

/ djuːn /

noun

1. a mound or ridge of drifted sand, occurring on the sea coast and in deserts

dune

1. A hill or ridge of wind-blown sand. Dunes are capable of moving by the motion of their individual grains but usually keep the same shape.

2. See more at barchan dune draa longitudinal dune seif dune transverse dune

Word History and Origins

Origin of dune¹

1780–90; < French, Old French < Middle Dutch dūna; cognate with down ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of dune¹

C18: via Old French from Middle Dutch dūne; see _down ³

Example Sentences

“The waves are coming up over the dunes and over the road,” Lonka said.

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From the sand dunes, looking inland, the terrain gradually climbs into dense bushland.

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From his front door, he can hop in a side-by-side and traverse miles of rolling sand dunes and rugged boulder piles.

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She said this is one of many projects to help researchers understand and combat water quality issues, including a relatively new advanced water treatment facility and a sand dune restoration project.

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Norris sat on the dunes beside the seaside Zandvoort circuit, helmet on, with his head in his hands after climbing out of his stricken McLaren, as he digested the ramifications of his retirement.

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Related Words

• knoll 
• ridge 
• sand dune www.thesaurus.com