Dictionary entry

Vale

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Vale (vāl), n. [OE. val, F. val, L. vallis; perhaps akin to Gr. ἔλοσ low ground, marsh meadow. Cf. Avalanche, Vail to lower, Valley.] A tract of low ground, or of land between hills; a valley. “ Make me a cottage in the vale.” Tennyson.

Beyond this vale of tears there is a life above. Montgomery.

In those fair vales, by nature formed to please. Harte.

Vale is more commonly used in poetry, and valley in prose and common discourse.

Syn. — Valley; dingle; dell; dale.