grassland

American  

[gras-land, grahs-] / ˈgræsˌlænd, ˈgrɑs- /

noun

1. an area, as a prairie, in which the natural vegetation consists largely of perennial grasses, characteristic of subhumid and semiarid climates.

2. land with grass growing on it, especially farmland used for grazing or pasture.

---

grassland British  

/ ˈɡrɑːsˌlænd /

noun

1. land, such as a prairie, on which grass predominates

2. land reserved for natural grass pasture

---

grassland Scientific  

/ grăs′lănd′ /

1. An area that is dominated by grass or grasslike vegetation. Moderately dry climatic conditions and seasonal disturbances, such as floods or fires, are generally conducive to the growth of grasses and prohibitive of that of trees and shrubs. Grasslands are found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions and typically occupy regions between forests and deserts.

---

Etymology

Origin of grassland

An Americanism dating back to 1675–85; grass + land

Example Sentences

Beneath the open grasslands and shallow waters lie the remains of extensive earthworks, raised agricultural fields, and interconnected canals that reflect a long history of people adapting to a dynamic environment.

From Science Daily

The species depends on just one plant, Devil's-bit Scabious, which grows across a range of grassland and heathland sites, most often grazed by cattle.

From BBC

The fear is that, if this continues, vast areas of rainforest could die away and become a savannah or dry grassland ecosystem.

From BBC

However flawed its narrative execution may be, the cinematography is beyond sublime, capturing the natural radiance of the grasslands and endless blue above.

From Salon

It is also home to remote, rugged mountains, majestic canyons, lush grasslands and pristine lakes.

From BBC

Related Words

• pasture
• plain
• prairie
• savanna
• steppe