What does valley mean?
A valley is a low-lying stretch of land between hills or mountains, often shaped or watered by a river. In physical geography, the term covers many scales: a small depression may become a fertile basin, while a much larger valley can carry roads, railways, farms, and entire settlements through mountainous country. Valley therefore often suggests a route or enclosed corridor rather than merely a scenic dip. The word is neutral and everyday, but its associations with isolation, shelter, natural beauty, and rural life vary by context. It can also be used figuratively for a period or condition of difficulty between two easier or more successful stages, as when a career or negotiation enters a valley. In proper names, the compound Silicon Valley has become a metonym for the technology industry and its culture. Compared with narrower terms such as ravine and gorge, valley is deliberately broad and does not necessarily imply steep sides or a stream.
nounA low-lying area of land between hills or mountains, often shaped or watered by a river or stream.
- A low-lying area of land between hills or mountains.
- A low point or intervening period of difficulty in a process or course of events.
"A river winds through the fertile valley below the village."
"A river winds through the fertile valley below the village."
"The reform process entered a valley of uncertainty after its initial proposals failed."
The regular plural adds -s and is used for multiple valleys or for a named region containing several of them.
"The road passes through several steep valleys."
Death Valley in California contains the lowest point in North America and is among the hottest places on Earth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of valley
The word entered Middle English in the Middle Ages as valey, borrowed through Anglo-Norman and Old French forms from Latin vallis, meaning “valley.” English subsequently developed valley, while vale continued as a literary synonym. The same Latin root underlies related English forms such as vally, valletta, and vallis, and also lies behind the place name Valletta.
Related word forms
How valley is actually used
The word is neutral and common in both British and American English. Its figurative use often suggests difficulty, uncertainty, or reduced prospects, but it is usually less dramatic than figurative language such as abyss.
Easily confused with valley
An alley is a narrow passageway between or alongside buildings, whereas a valley is a low area between hills or mountains.