grand coulee: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Very rare outside specific geographical/historical contexts)Formal, Geographical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “grand coulee” mean?
The proper name of a specific, massive dam and the associated geological feature in Washington State, USA.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The proper name of a specific, massive dam and the associated geological feature in Washington State, USA.
May refer to the dam itself, the associated town, the reservoir (Lake Roosevelt), or the regional electricity/irrigation project. Metaphorically, it can symbolize large-scale American engineering, New Deal-era public works, or human alteration of landscape.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost unknown in general British English. In American English, it has strong geographical (Pacific Northwest) and historical (Great Depression/New Deal) recognition.
Connotations
In American usage: engineering marvel, public power, irrigation, Roosevelt-era optimism. In British usage, if known, it's a foreign geographical feature.
Frequency
Very low frequency in UK; low but contextually significant in US, especially in Northwestern states or discussions of infrastructure/hydrology.
Grammar
How to Use “grand coulee” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] + (Dam/Reservoir/Project)the + [Proper Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grand coulee” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- Grand Coulee electricity
- the Grand Coulee area
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in energy/utility sectors (e.g., 'power contracts with Grand Coulee').
Academic
Used in history (New Deal), engineering, geography, and environmental studies.
Everyday
Very rare; used by locals, tourists, or in specific historical documentaries.
Technical
Used in civil engineering, hydrology, and electrical grid management contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grand coulee”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grand coulee”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grand coulee”
- Misspelling as 'Grand Cooley' or 'Grand Coolie'. Using lower case ('grand coulee'). Treating it as a common noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a proper noun, the name of a specific place and dam. The word 'coulee' itself is a geological term, but 'Grand Coulee' is a name.
In American English, it is pronounced 'koo-LAY'. In British English, it might be approximated as 'KOO-lee'.
It is one of the largest concrete dams in the world, a landmark of US civil engineering built during the 1930s, providing massive hydroelectric power and irrigation.
No, this is incorrect. It refers only to the specific dam on the Columbia River. Using it generically would be like calling any large clock 'Big Ben'.
The proper name of a specific, massive dam and the associated geological feature in Washington State, USA.
Grand coulee is usually formal, geographical, historical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for proper nouns]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GRAND scale + COULEE (a deep gorge) = A grand dam built in a deep gorge.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MONUMENT TO HUMAN INGENUITY / A CONQUEST OF NATURE.
Practice
Quiz
Grand Coulee is primarily associated with which country and era?