barranca

[ buh-rang-kuh; Spanish bahr-rahng-kah ]

noun

, plural bar·ran·cas [b, uh, -, rang, -k, uh, z, bah, r, -, rahng, -kahs].

1. a steep-walled ravine or gorge.
2. a gully with steep sides; arroyo.

barranca

/ bəˈræŋkəʊ; bəˈræŋkə /

noun

1. a ravine or precipice

Word History and Origins

Origin of barranca¹

First recorded in 1685–95; from Spanish, variant of barranco, of obscure, probably pre-Latin origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of barranca¹

C19: from Spanish, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

A gully cut through the walls of the barranca at a sharp angle, and the pack-trail followed the bottom of the depression.

From Project Gutenberg

Before the barranca and the Black Caon were reached, a quivering line of gray had run along the tops of the eastern hills.

From Project Gutenberg

It was now agreed that we should all ride down the side of the barranca together, until we could find a place to descend into it.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a bright July morning four months after that fatal fight in the Spanish barranca.

From Project Gutenberg

Right on up the barranca—towards the mountains—and they did not stop for food.

From Project Gutenberg