dune

American  

[doon, dyoon] / dun, dyun /

noun

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

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dune British  

/ djuːn /

noun

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

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dune Scientific  

/ do̅o̅n /

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

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Etymology

Origin of dune

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

Example Sentences

Thomas Quarry I sits within the raised coastal formations of the Rabat-Casablanca littoral, an area internationally recognized for its remarkably complete record of Plio-Pleistocene shorelines, dunes, and cave systems.

From Science Daily

I dream of lizards, dark skies, sand dunes and sunsets streaked in rose-mauve and smoky violet, the air heavy with the scent of wet creosote and campfire smoke.

From Los Angeles Times

Nice when someone remembers Dad, he thinks, before turning his attention to a pair of surfers crossing the sand dunes barefoot.

From Literature

The rally involved driving over a range of terrains from sand dunes, mud, rocks and dry river beds.

From BBC

The council also urged people to stay well clear of the dune face and take heed of warning signs in the area.

From BBC

Related Words

• knoll
• ridge
• sand dune