rift valley

noun

Synonyms of rift valleynext
: an elongated valley formed by the depression of a block of the earth's crust between two faults or groups of faults of approximately parallel orientation

Examples of rift valley in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There is a rift valley on the Rio Grande in the desert of New Mexico where an award-winning home sits. — Jennifer Castenson, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Valles Marineris is thought to be a rift valley, formed by uplift when hot material from the Mars's mantle bubbled up and stretched the planet's crust. — Discover Magazine, 20 Oct. 2010

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rift valley was in 1894

Rhymes for rift valley

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“Rift valley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rift%20valley. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

rift valley

noun
: a long valley formed by the sinking of the earth's crust between two parallel or nearly parallel faults or groups of faults

More from Merriam-Webster on rift valley

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