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Glen vs. Hollow — What's the Difference?

By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 14, 2024
A "glen" is a narrow, secluded valley, often wooded and found in mountainous areas, whereas a "hollow" refers to a small, valley-like depression in the land, usually more open and less defined.
Glen vs. Hollow — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Glen and Hollow

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Key Differences

A glen is typically characterized by its narrow shape, often surrounded by mountains or steep hills, making it a secluded area. These areas are frequently wooded, providing a sense of isolation and natural beauty. On the other hand, a hollow is a depression or dip in the landscape, which can vary in size but is generally open and less dramatically enclosed than a glen. Hollows can be found in various settings, including both rural and less rugged landscapes.
Glens are often associated with rivers or streams flowing through them, contributing to the lush vegetation typically found in these areas. The water sources not only enhance the scenic beauty but also support diverse ecosystems. Whereas hollows may or may not contain water features, their defining characteristic is the concave shape that forms a natural gathering point for water, animals, or even human settlements, depending on the size and location.
The term "glen" is of Scottish origin, reflecting the landscape and cultural heritage of Scotland where such valleys are common and have been celebrated in poetry and song. Hollows, while not specific to any one region, are more commonly referred to in American English, particularly in the Appalachian region, where they are part of both the geographical and cultural landscape.
In terms of usage, glens are often seen as more picturesque and are sought after for outdoor activities like hiking, photography, and nature observation due to their secluded and sometimes challenging terrain. Hollows, by contrast, may be used for agriculture, habitation, or as natural drainage areas, reflecting their more gentle and accessible nature.
Despite their differences, both glens and hollows contribute to the biodiversity of their regions, supporting various plant and animal species. The protection and appreciation of these natural formations are crucial for ecological balance and cultural heritage, highlighting the unique beauty and utility of each.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

A narrow, secluded valley, often wooded and in mountainous areas.
A depression or dip in the land, usually open and less defined.

Origin

Scottish, reflecting the landscape and culture of Scotland.
Common in American English, especially in the Appalachian region.

Associated Features

Often contains rivers or streams, supporting lush vegetation.
May or may not contain water features; defined by its concave shape.

Usage

Popular for hiking, photography, and nature observation.
Used for agriculture, habitation, or as natural drainage areas.

Landscape

Surrounded by mountains or steep hills, secluded.
Open and accessible, varying in size and setting.

Compare with Definitions

Glen

A narrow and secluded valley.
The hikers explored the serene glen, enchanted by its untouched beauty.

Hollow

A small valley or depression in the land.
They built their home in a sheltered hollow away from the wind.

Glen

Often found in mountainous regions.
Nestled in the mountains, the glen was a perfect spot for solitude.

Hollow

Part of the geographical and cultural landscape in some regions.
In the Appalachians, hollows are integral to both the land and its stories.

Glen

Associated with streams or rivers.
A crystal-clear stream wound through the glen, adding to its charm.

Hollow

May contain water or be used as drainage.
Rainwater collected in the hollow, forming a temporary pond.

Glen

Characterized by wooded areas.
The dense woods of the glen were home to myriad wildlife.

Hollow

Less defined than a glen, usually more open.
The open hollow was a natural gathering place for deer.

Glen

Reflects Scottish cultural heritage.
The glen, with its mist and greenery, seemed like a scene from a Scottish tale.

Hollow

Can be used for various purposes.
The fertile hollow was ideal for farming, providing a bountiful harvest.

Glen

A glen is a valley, typically one that is long and bounded by gently sloped concave sides, unlike a ravine, which is deep and bounded by steep slopes. Whittow defines it as a "Scottish term for a deep valley in the Highlands" that is "narrower than a strath".

Hollow

Having a cavity, gap, or space within
A hollow wall.

Glen

A narrow valley, especially in Scotland or Ireland.

Hollow

Deeply indented or concave; sunken
"His bearded face already has a set, hollow look" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).

Glen

A small, secluded valley.

Hollow

Without substance or character
A hollow person.

Glen

A secluded and narrow valley, especially one with a river running through it; a dale; a depression between hills.

Hollow

Devoid of truth or validity; specious
"Theirs is at best a hollow form of flattery" (Annalyn Swan).

Glen

A secluded and narrow valley; a dale; a depression between hills.
And wooes the widow's daughter of the glen.

Hollow

Having a reverberating, sepulchral sound
Hollow footsteps.

Glen

A narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)

Hollow

A cavity, gap, or space
A hollow behind a wall.

Hollow

An indented or concave surface or area.

Hollow

A void; an emptiness
A hollow in one's life.

Hollow

A small valley between hills or mountains.

Hollow

To make hollow
Hollow out a pumpkin.

Hollow

To scoop or form by making concave
Hollow out a nest in the sand.

Hollow

To become hollow or empty.

Hollow

A small valley between mountains.
He built himself a cabin in a hollow high up in the Rockies.

Hollow

A sunken area or unfilled space in something solid; a cavity, natural or artificial.
The hollow of the hand or of a tree

Hollow

(figuratively) A feeling of emptiness.
A hollow in the pit of one’s stomach

Hollow

(US) A sunken area.

Hollow

(transitive) to make a hole in something; to excavate

Hollow

To call or urge by shouting; to hollo.

Hollow

(of something solid) Having an empty space or cavity inside.
A hollow tree; a hollow sphere

Hollow

(of a sound) Distant, eerie; echoing, reverberating, as if in a hollow space; dull, muffled; often low-pitched.
He let out a hollow moan.

Hollow

(figuratively) Without substance; having no real or significant worth; meaningless.
A hollow victory

Hollow

(figuratively) Insincere, devoid of validity; specious.
A hollow promise

Hollow

Concave; gaunt; sunken.

Hollow

(gymnastics) Pertaining to hollow body position

Hollow

(colloquial) Completely, as part of the phrase beat hollow or beat all hollow.

Hollow

Alternative form of hollo

Hollow

Having an empty space or cavity, natural or artificial, within a solid substance; not solid; excavated in the interior; as, a hollow tree; a hollow sphere.
Hollow with boards shalt thou make it.

Hollow

Depressed; concave; gaunt; sunken.
With hollow eye and wrinkled brow.

Hollow

Reverberated from a cavity, or resembling such a sound; deep; muffled; as, a hollow roar.

Hollow

Not sincere or faithful; false; deceitful; not sound; as, a hollow heart; a hollow friend.

Hollow

A cavity, natural or artificial; an unfilled space within anything; a hole, a cavern; an excavation; as the hollow of the hand or of a tree.

Hollow

A low spot surrounded by elevations; a depressed part of a surface; a concavity; a channel.
Forests grewUpon the barren hollows.
I hate the dreadful hollow behind the little wood.

Hollow

To make hollow, as by digging, cutting, or engraving; to excavate.

Hollow

To shout; to hollo.
Whisperings and hollowings are alike to a deaf ear.

Hollow

To urge or call by shouting.
He has hollowed the hounds.

Hollow

Hollo.

Hollow

A cavity or space in something;
Hunger had caused the hollows in their cheeks

Hollow

A small valley between mountains;
He built himself a cabin in a hollow high up in the Appalachians

Hollow

A depression hollowed out of solid matter

Hollow

Remove the inner part or the core of;
The mining company wants to excavate the hillsite

Hollow

Remove the interior of;
Hollow out a tree trunk

Hollow

Not solid; having a space or gap or cavity;
A hollow wall
A hollow tree
Hollow cheeks
His face became gaunter and more hollow with each year

Hollow

Deliberately deceptive;
Hollow (or false) promises
False pretenses

Hollow

As if echoing in a hollow space;
The hollow sound of footsteps in the empty ballroom

Hollow

Devoid of significance or point;
Empty promises
A hollow victory
Vacuous comments

Common Curiosities

Can both glens and hollows contain water?

Yes, both can contain water features, but glens often have rivers or streams, while hollows may collect water in their depressions.

What activities are glens known for?

Glens are popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, photography, and nature observation due to their secluded and picturesque terrain.

What is the main difference between a glen and a hollow?

A glen is a narrow, secluded valley often in mountainous areas, while a hollow is a depression in the land, usually more open.

Can the terms glen and hollow be used interchangeably?

While they may seem similar, they are not interchangeable due to their distinct characteristics and the landscapes they describe.

Are glens and hollows specific to certain regions?

Glens are associated with Scotland, reflecting its landscape and culture, whereas hollows are more commonly referenced in American English, especially in the Appalachians.

How are hollows used by people?

Hollows may be used for agriculture, habitation, or as natural drainage areas, thanks to their more gentle and accessible nature.

Is one more valuable than the other in terms of ecological importance?

Both are ecologically important, offering unique habitats and supporting diverse ecosystems.

Do glens and hollows contribute to biodiversity?

Yes, both formations support various plant and animal species, contributing to the biodiversity of their regions.

What makes a glen secluded?

A glen's seclusion is due to its narrow shape and the surrounding mountains or steep hills, which create a natural barrier.

Why are hollows considered less dramatic than glens?

Hollows are generally more open and less defined than the steep, enclosed valleys of glens, making them appear less dramatic.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

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