vale
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of vale
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French val, from Latin vallem, accusative of vallis, vallēs “valley”
Explanation
A vale is a long depression in the land, usually between two hills and containing a river. A vale is a valley. If you've ever gone to a place where there are mountains, you've seen plenty of mountain ranges, mountaintops, and valleys. Valleys are the low points between hills, and they are also known as vales. A vale often contains a river, because it's the lowest point and therefore somewhere water can settle and flow. If you climb a mountain, you'll see many vales, which are often long and winding. The hills and vales of an area are usually gorgeous and breathtaking.
Vocabulary lists containing vale
The Fellowship of the Ring
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Tolkien Reading Day, List 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He’s just some mud-brown monstrosity roaming the Vale of Arryn and treating livestock like campfire marshmallows.
From Salon • Jun. 24, 2026
Cardiff and Vale health board and Public Health Wales have been asked to comment.
From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026
The store, approved in 2024 by Vale of Glamorgan council, is planned for land at a junction which separates Llantwit Major and Llanmaes.
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
James Webber, recycling and infrastructure manager at Vale of Glamorgan council, said the heatwave and bank holiday meant it was a "gold weekend" for Barry Island.
From BBC • May 29, 2026
Beneath the mountain’s arm within the Wizard’s Vale through years uncounted had stood that ancient place that Men called Isengard.
From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
