gulch

American  

[guhlch] / gʌltʃ /

noun

1. a deep, narrow ravine, especially one marking the course of a stream or torrent.

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gulch British  

/ ɡʌltʃ /

noun

1. a narrow ravine cut by a fast stream

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Etymology

Origin of gulch

1825–35; compare British dialect gulch, gulsh to run with a full stream, gush, (of land) to sink in, Middle English gulchen to spew forth, gush; expressive word akin to gulp, gush, etc.

Explanation

A gulch is a deep, narrow ditch with a stream running through its base. A "gully" is very similar to, but smaller than, a gulch. In geology, a gulch is generally described as "a v-shaped valley," with either a dry creek bed or an active creek at the bottom. The gulch itself is formed by gradual erosion. In Canada, gulch is also defined as "a narrow salt water cove or channel." Gulch is an American word believed to stem from the now-obsolete gulsh, "gush out," from Middle English gulchen, "to gush forth."

Example Sentences

Columbia State Historic Park is a preserved Gold Rush settlement that allows local and foreign tourists to try and strike it rich at the Matelot Gulch Mining Company.

From Barron's • Nov. 2, 2025

The arrests occurred on August 27 during efforts to contain the 9,000-acre Bear Gulch wildfire.

From Salon • Sep. 1, 2025

However, the stretch of highway between Islip Saddle and Vincent Gulch continued to be closed until Friday.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2025

But businesses that grew out of Garlic Gulch — Oberto’s, Isernio’s sausages, Merlino Foods, Borrachini’s Bakery — became household names in Seattle, even as some closed in recent years.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2024

“Ryna’s Gulch is up ahead. It makes that sound when the wind hits a certain way.”

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison