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.

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grassland British  

/ ˈɡrɑːsˌlænd /

noun

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

2. land reserved for natural grass pasture

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of grassland

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

Example Sentences

By clearing invasive trees and replanting native grasslands, he replenished the land’s topsoil and resurrected a dozen natural springs—which, in turn, lured back birds, insects and other wildlife.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ancient stories, poems, and songs may hold clues to how vast savannas and grasslands formed and endured across the region.

From Science Daily

Semi-natural grassland also continues to be lost, despite being seen as a priority habitat and vital for a whole range of plants, fungi, insects, ground-nesting birds, small mammals and reptiles.

From BBC

As wildfires move across forests, grasslands, and peatlands, they release large amounts of gases and particles into the air.

From Science Daily

For example, Olduvai Gorge Bed in Tanzania has been described as freshwater woodland and grassland, while the Upper Bed reflects drier woodlands and marshy areas.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• pasture
• plain
• prairie
• savanna
• steppe