Swale
Noun
- A low or hollow place, especially a marshy depression between ridges.
Example Sentences
“Rainwater collected in a shallow swale at the edge of the field.”
“The architect designed a swale to manage runoff without visible drainage pipes.”
“Children used the swale as a natural sled run after the first snowfall.”
Word Origin
Unknown, early 16th century
Why this word?
A modern landscape architect likely has a different understanding of “swale” than someone from the 16th century. In its original context, a swale was a shady, cool place — probably a nice place to take a break on a hot day. The word “swale” was brought to America by English colonists, and it evolved to mean a low place, specifically a depression between ridges. In its most modern usage, a swale is a grass-covered trench, used by landscape architects to control storm drainage.
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