clough: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareLiterary/Historical/Regional
Quick answer
What does “clough” mean?
A steep-sided ravine, gorge, or valley, typically with a stream running through it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A steep-sided ravine, gorge, or valley, typically with a stream running through it; often found in Northern English and Scottish place names.
In geology, a narrow, deep valley or ravine cut by a stream, especially in areas with rugged terrain; also appears in surnames and historical texts. Can sometimes refer to a cleft or gully in coastal cliffs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually unknown in American English outside academic/geological contexts; primarily a British (especially Northern English/Scottish) regional and historical term.
Connotations
In UK: rustic, historical, topographical; often evokes rural landscapes. In US: unknown or highly technical.
Frequency
Extremely rare in American English; occasional in British literary/regional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “clough” in a Sentence
The + ADJECTIVE + clough + VERBPlace name: X CloughVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clough” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb in modern usage
American English
- Not applicable as a verb in modern usage
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used
Academic
In historical geography or literary analysis
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation
Technical
In geology/geography describing specific landforms
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clough”
- Mispronouncing as /kloʊ/ or /klɑːf/
- Using in general contexts where 'valley' or 'ravine' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is rare and mostly found in place names, historical texts, or regional dialect in Northern England and Scotland.
It is pronounced /klʌf/, rhyming with 'rough'.
No, in modern English it is only used as a noun.
A clough is typically narrower, steeper, and often has a stream, whereas a valley is a broader, more general term.
A steep-sided ravine, gorge, or valley, typically with a stream running through it.
Clough is usually literary/historical/regional in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CLOUGH rhymes with 'rough' – think of a rough, steep valley.
Conceptual Metaphor
A clough as a natural incision in the landscape; earth's wound or fold.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'clough'?