gulch
UK: ɡʌltʃ | US: ɡʌltʃ
n. a narrow and steep-sided ravine, often formed by the action of water
n. (informal) a small, isolated valley or ditch
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The word "gulch" likely originated in the early 19th century in American English, possibly influenced by dialectal or regional terms. It may derive from obsolete English "gulchen" (to gulp or swallow), metaphorically describing how a ravine "swallows" water or debris. Alternatively, it could be linked to Scottish or Irish Gaelic words for a trench or hollow. The term gained prominence during the Gold Rush era, often referring to mining ravines where water erosion exposed minerals.
The hikers carefully navigated the rocky gulch to avoid slipping.
After the storm, the dry gulch filled with rushing water.
Prospectors searched the gulch for traces of gold.
A narrow gulch cut through the desert landscape.
The old map marked a hidden gulch where outlaws once camped.