chaparral
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of chaparral
1835–45, < Spanish, equivalent to chaparr ( o ) evergreen oak (< Basque tshapar ) + -al collective suffix
Explanation
Chaparral is a type of dense, thorny thicket with shrubby plants and small trees. Places with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters — like parts of California — are most likely to have chaparral. Chaparral is a rugged landscape where hardy plants like scrub oaks and manzanita thrive. This unique ecosystem is found in regions like central and southern California, northern Mexico, and coastal areas around the Mediterranean Sea. Chaparral supports diverse wildlife and has adapted to withstand fires and droughts. With its thick, thorny bushes and resilient inhabitants — like mountain lions, jackrabbits, rattlesnakes, and coyotes — chaparral showcases nature's ability to flourish in challenging environments.
Vocabulary lists containing chaparral
Western Europe - Introductory
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Western Europe - Middle School and High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Other notable cars on display include Bill Vukovich’s 1953 and ’54 winning car, the No. 14 Fuel Injection Special Kurtis-Kraft, and Johnny Rutherford’s 1980 Pennzoil Chaparral 2K.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
Chaparral 19, Knight 4: Dean Mariani contributed four hits and three RBIs while Griffin Fien had three hits and three RBIs.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026
As President Trump was signing executive orders on Monday, a minibus swept through the gates at the Chaparral border crossing between San Diego and Tijuana carrying a handful of deportees.
From BBC • Jan. 25, 2025
He arrived at the gate, known as El Chaparral, on Monday hoping it was untrue.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2025
Home range and mobility of brush rabbits in California Chaparral.
From Home Range and Movements of the Eastern Cottontail in Kansas by Janes, Donald W.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
