gully
|gul-ly|
/ˈɡʌli/
resembling a gully
Etymology
'gully' originates from Middle English, influenced by Old French 'goule' or 'goule/ goule' (variant spellings), ultimately from Latin 'gula' meaning 'throat'.
'gully' appears in Middle English with senses related to a throat or narrow opening and by the 16th century came to be used for natural channels or ravines (a 'throat-like' gap), evolving into the modern 'gully'.
Initially it referred to a 'throat' or narrow opening; over time the sense shifted by metaphor to mean a narrow channel or ravine carved by water.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small narrow valley or ravine formed by running water, especially after heavy rain or flooding.
After the storm a deep gully ran along the footpath.
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Noun 2
a trench or channel cut in the ground for drainage or to carry off water and soil.
They cleared the gully to improve drainage on the field.
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Noun 3
in cricket, a fielding position behind the slips and near the boundary on the off side (called 'gully').
He took a sharp catch at gully to break the partnership.
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Last updated: 2025/11/21 00:40