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.
Key Biscayne The Village of Key Biscayne strictly prohibits all micromobility devices on streets, highways, sidewalks, bicycle paths, multiuse paths and trails, beaches and dunes unless otherwise authorized. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Our team determined that lakes persisted for millions of years before the climate became arid and sand dunes overtook the lakes, although groundwater occasionally breached the surface to produce streams that wove among the dunes. — Ashwin R. Vasavada, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Antonio Banderas' house—with the dune in the background, where Tony gets splashed with water every morning—was only a mile from my house. — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026 For several weeks now, the Army Corps of Engineers has been restoring the beaches and dunes after strong storms caused severe erosion last year. — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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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