Definition

1. Noun:
   • A ravine or gully, especially in southern Asia: A "nullah" is a steep-sided, often narrow channel or watercourse, typically dry except during the rainy season. It is a geographical feature common in parts of South Asia.

Usage

• The term "nullah" is used specifically to describe a type of erosion feature or seasonal stream bed found in regions like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
• It often refers to a channel that carries water only during periods of heavy rain and can be a significant feature in the landscape and urban drainage systems.

Examples

• Noun:
  • After the monsoon, the nullah was filled with rushing water.
  • The village was built on the banks of a deep nullah.
  • They had to build a bridge over the large nullah that divided the town.

Advanced Usage

• "To clear a nullah": Refers to the act of removing debris and silt from a nullah, often as a flood prevention measure before the rainy season.
  • The municipal workers worked to clear the blocked nullah before the storms arrived.

Variants and Related Words

• Nala (n): An alternative spelling, especially common in Indian English.
  • The nala behind our house often overflows during the rains.

Synonyms

• Ravine: A deep, narrow gorge with steep sides.
• Gully: A water-worn ravine.
• Arroyo: A dry creek or stream bed that fills temporarily after rain (used in the southwestern United States and Spanish-influenced regions).
• Wadi: A valley, ravine, or channel that is dry except in the rainy season (used in North Africa and the Middle East).

Related Phrases

• Nullah bed: The bottom or channel of a nullah.
  • Children were playing cricket on the dry nullah bed.
• Nullah bridge: A bridge constructed over a nullah.
  • The old nullah bridge was washed away in the flood.

Noun

1. a ravine or gully in southern Asia