Definition

A hill or ridge made of sand that is formed by the wind.

Example

The children loved to climb the tall dune at the beach.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a dune up close?

Yes, I visited the desert last summer and it was amazing!

I can only imagine how big a dune must be in person.

They really are massive, especially when you climb to the top!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'dune' originates from Old French 'dune' (meaning a hill or mound of sand), which itself comes from the Middle Dutch 'dune' (meaning a sand hill). A dune refers to a hill or mound formed by the accumulation of sand, typically found in deserts or near beaches.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'hill of sand' — that's what a dune is, coming from the Old French word for a sand hill.

Visually Confused Words