gorge
A deep, narrow valley with very steep rocky sides.
- A deep, narrow valley with steep rocky walls on both sides, usually carved by a river over millions of years. The Grand Canyon is the most famous gorge in America, where the Colorado River cut through layers of rock to create towering cliffs. Gorges form when flowing water gradually erodes soft rock, leaving harder rock as dramatic vertical walls. Hikers love exploring gorges because the high walls create shade and often stunning waterfalls. Some gorges are so narrow you can barely see the sky above, while others open into wide valleys with rivers rushing far below.
- To eat or drink something quickly and greedily, often until uncomfortably full. After a long soccer practice, you might gorge on pizza and feel stuffed afterward. Animals sometimes gorge when food is plentiful, like bears gorging on salmon before winter hibernation. The word suggests eating beyond what you need, driven by hunger or appetite rather than good judgment. If you gorge on Halloween candy, you'll probably regret it later. When someone gorges, they eat rapidly and without restraint, consuming large quantities in a short time, often leaving them feeling sluggish or sick.