grassland

[gras-land, grahs-]

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

/ ˈɡrɑːsˌlænd /

noun

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

2. land reserved for natural grass pasture

grassland

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of grassland¹

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

Example Sentences

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

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Salon

November 22, 1955—a cold, clear day in the dry grasslands two thousand miles southeast of Moscow.

Read more on Literature

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

Read more on BBC

I missed the grasslands, bursting with colour, that I'd so enjoyed in my childhood.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• pasture 
• plain 
• prairie 
• savanna 
• steppe