Deep valleys with steep sides, typically formed by river erosion through rock over geological time periods.
From Spanish cañón (tube, gorge), derived from Latin canna (reed, tube). The word entered English through Spanish colonial contact in the American Southwest, where such geological formations are prominent features of the landscape.
The word 'canyon' beautifully illustrates how geography shapes language—it entered English specifically because Spanish speakers first encountered and named these dramatic landforms in the American Southwest. The Grand Canyon, arguably the world's most famous example, has made this borrowed Spanish word universally recognizable.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.