coombe
1
9.9
A small deep valley between hills, often found in southern England
- noun
- /kuːm/
- UK
:
coombe
- We hiked down into the small coombe, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Examples
-
"How would you like to be a coombe?" The bird glared at Adam and lifted the ruff of feathers about its neck in a manner that left no doubt as to its refusal.
Fiction book (2002) -
The village lay nestled in a green coombe, sheltered from the harsh winds.
-
As we explored the coombe, we discovered a beautiful stream at its bottom.
Synonyms
ravine
vscoombe
44
5.8
A deep narrow valley with steep sides made by a river
is like this but is not limited to water-formed channels in all cases
hollow
vscoombe
20
3.9
A small low area between hills
is similar but emphasizes greater depth and southern England location
1
9.9
A deep narrow valley that is often dry and made by water or lava
covers small deep valleys without implying dryness or volcanic origin
natural depression
vscoombe
1
4.6
A low hollow in the ground that often holds water
is narrower meaning a small deep valley rather than any sunken area
1
9.9
A small deep valley with steep sides
is the same small deep valley but stated more generally without steepness
How Deep
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word coombe comes from an old Celtic word cwm that means 'valley' or 'hollow'. That's why a coombe today is a small, deep valley, often found in southern England.