chaparral

[ shap-uh-ral, chap- ]

noun

, Southwestern U.S.

1. a dense growth of shrubs or small trees.

chaparral

/ ˌtʃæpəˈræl; ˌʃæp- /

noun

1. (in the southwestern US) a dense growth of shrubs and trees, esp evergreen oaks

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaparral¹

1835–45, Americanism; < Spanish, equivalent to chaparr ( o ) evergreen oak (< Basque tshapar ) + -al collective suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaparral¹

C19: from Spanish, from chaparra evergreen oak

Example Sentences

The blows of the ax, off in the chaparral, were louder in their ears now, and they could hear a mumble of voices.

From Project Gutenberg

Both boys were so hard at work that they did not notice the sound of voices had died out in the chaparral.

From Project Gutenberg

"Oh, he's chasing a two-legged rat through the chaparral," answered the fat boy carelessly.

From Project Gutenberg

Under his pony's bridle he had tucked some sprigs of chaparral to keep away the deer flies.

From Project Gutenberg

The impetuous Gila rolled along its yellowish stream between two banks clothed with wood and thick chaparral.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• forest
• wasteland
• wood