1. A deep narrow valley or gorge in the earth's surface worn by running water: The ravine looked peaceful during dry weather, but was a raging torrent after a severe rainstorm.
2. Etymology: from about 1760, "deep gorge" came from French ravin, "a gully".

In 1690, from Old French raviner, "to hollow out"; and from French ravine, "violent rush of water, gully".

From Old French ravine, "violent rush, robbery, rapine"; both ultimately from Latin rapina. This sense is influenced by Latin rapidus "rapid".

In Middle English, from about 1350-1500, ravine meant "booty, plunder, robbery"; from Latin rapina, "robbery, plunder"; from rapere, "to seize, to carry off, to rob".