dune
UK: djuːn | US: duːn
n. a mound or ridge of sand formed by the wind, typically found in deserts or near coasts
No data yet.
The word "dune" originates from the Old French dune (meaning "hill of sand"), which itself derives from the Middle Dutch dūne. Its roots trace back to Proto-Germanic dūnǭ, referring to a hill or elevated place. Over time, the term specialized to describe wind-formed sand hills, particularly in coastal or desert landscapes. The word’s simplicity reflects its ancient Germanic origins, retaining its core meaning without significant morphological division.
The children ran down the steep slope of the dune, laughing as their feet sank into the soft sand.
Coastal dunes act as natural barriers against storm surges and erosion.
The Sahara Desert is famous for its vast, shifting dunes.
We set up our campsite behind a large dune to shelter from the wind.
The dune grasses stabilized the sand, preventing further movement inland.