a narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
"The hikers trekked deep into the glen, where towering pines surrounded them on all sides."
A secluded and narrow valley, especially one with a river running through it; a dale; a depression between hills.
"The hikers found shelter in a deep glen where a rushing stream cut through the surrounding cliffs."
In plain English: A glen is a long, narrow valley with steep sides that often has water flowing through it.
"We took a peaceful walk through the narrow glen surrounded by tall pine trees."
Usage: Use "glen" to describe a specific type of deep, often U-shaped valley found in hilly or mountainous regions, typically containing a stream. This term is frequently associated with landscapes in Scotland and Ireland rather than generic valleys elsewhere.
A Scottish habitational surname, from Scottish Gaelic for someone who lives in a valley.
"The census record listed Glen as his surname, reflecting his family's ancient roots in the Highlands."
The word "glen" comes from Irish and Scottish Gaelic words meaning "mountain valley." It entered English through Middle English to describe deep valleys found in the Highlands.