dune

noun

ˈdün How to pronounce dune (audio)
also ˈdyün
Synonyms of dune
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are two main anchors, the North and South Pavilions, connected by a track almost three kilometers in length, twisting and turning between dunes and rock formations. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Brigantine city manager Tiger Platt said the storm also wiped out about 30 feet of dunes, leaving homes and streets more vulnerable to flooding during future storms. — Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 In Namibia, the Skeleton Coast stretches along the Atlantic, where towering dunes meet the ocean. — Liz Wheeler, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2026 The coastal road that leads to Empire Bluff lies out of sight, just beyond the dunes. — Mike Norton, Midwest Living, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dune

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

Phrases Containing dune

Rhymes for dune

See All Rhymes for dune

Browse Nearby Words

dundrearies
dune
dune buggy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dune. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dune

noun
ˈd(y)ün How to pronounce dune (audio)
: a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind

More from Merriam-Webster on dune

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dune

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dune

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