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barranco

ravine

noun bah-RRAHN-koh Rare
Animals & Nature Geography

Origin: Possibly from Basque or pre-Roman Iberian roots.

Also means

gully

Usage Note

Barranco describes a steep, narrow gully cut by water erosion — common in the Spanish landscape and in place names across Spain and Latin America. In the Canary Islands and parts of Latin America it can refer to a broader, more dramatic gorge. Do not confuse with barranquismo (canyoning), the adventure sport done inside one.

Examples

"El sendero bajaba por un barranco profundo."

Natural Translation

The path descended through a deep ravine.

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