dune

noun

ˈdün How to pronounce dune (audio)
 also  ˈdyün
: a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind
dunelike
ˈdün-ˌlīk How to pronounce dune (audio)
 also  ˈdyün-
adjective

Examples of dune in a Sentence

We wandered over the dunes.
Recent Examples on the Web Most of the variegated topographical features on Pluto—dunes, hills, broken up blocks called chaotic terrains—are made up of or are the work of frozen methane and nitrogen. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024 The refuge’s dunes and salt marshes are a birder’s paradise with species like bald eagles, terns, songbirds, and various waterfowl migrating in and out throughout the year. Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2024 In the dunes and forests of southern Oregon, the RZR Pro R was a beast. New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2024 Titan has plains, vast equatorial dunes and mountains that stretch over hundreds of kms and are thought to be composed of organic material transported to the surface from Titan’s thick, orange atmosphere. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dune 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dune.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, from Middle Dutch; akin to Old English dūn down — more at down

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dune was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near dune

Cite this Entry

“Dune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dune. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

dune

noun
: a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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