canyon
UK: ˈkænjən | US: ˈkænjən
n. a deep, narrow valley with steep sides, often carved by a river
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The word "canyon" originates from the Spanish "cañón," meaning "tube" or "pipe," derived from "caño" (a hollow tube). The augmentative suffix "-ón" enlarges the meaning to "large tube," metaphorically describing a vast, narrow valley. Spanish explorers in the Americas adopted the term for dramatic river-carved gorges, which later entered English in the 19th century. The logic reflects how natural formations resemble elongated hollow structures.
The hikers marveled at the steep walls of the Grand Canyon.
A river had carved the canyon over millions of years.
They set up camp at the bottom of the canyon.
The canyon’s echoes made their voices sound distant.
Photographers flock to capture the canyon at sunrise.