valley
UK: ˈvæli | US: ˈvæli
n. a low area of land between hills or mountains, often with a river or stream flowing through it
n. (figurative) a low point or depression in a surface or trend
The word "valley" traces back to Latin vallis, meaning "a hollow or depression between hills." It entered English via Old French valee, retaining its core geographical meaning. The suffix -ey (modern -ey/-y) is a nominalizing element, solidifying the word as a noun. Over time, "valley" expanded metaphorically to describe any trough-like shape or figurative low point (e.g., "a valley in sales").
The hikers descended into the lush green valley.
The Nile River flows through a fertile valley in Egypt.
The graph shows a sharp valley in profits during the recession.
They built their village in a sheltered valley to avoid strong winds.
The valley echoed with the sound of birds at dawn.