landscape

American  

[land-skeyp] / ˈlændˌskeɪp /

noun

1. a section or expanse of rural scenery, usually extensive, that can be seen from a single viewpoint.

   Synonyms:

   prospect, vista, scenery, view

2. a picture representing natural inland or coastal scenery.

3. Fine Arts. the category of aesthetic subject matter in which natural scenery is represented.

4. Obsolete. a panoramic view of scenery; vista.

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verb (used with object)

landscaped, landscaping

1. to improve the appearance of (an area of land, a highway, etc.), as by planting trees, shrubs, or grass, or altering the contours of the ground.

2. to improve the landscape of.

verb (used without object)

landscaped, landscaping

1. to do landscape gardening as a profession.

adjective

1. Digital Technology. relating to or producing horizontal, sideways orientation of computer or other digital output, with lines of data parallel to the two longer sides of a page or screen.

landscape British  

/ ˈlændˌskeɪp /

noun

1. an extensive area of land regarded as being visually distinct

   ugly slagheaps dominated the landscape

2. a painting, drawing, photograph, etc, depicting natural scenery

3. 1. the genre including such pictures

   2. ( as modifier )

      landscape painter

4. the distinctive features of a given area of intellectual activity, regarded as an integrated whole

   the landscape of the European imagination

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adjective

1. printing

   1. (of a publication or an illustration in a publication) of greater width than height Compare portrait

   2. (of a page) carrying an illustration or table printed at right angles to the normal text

verb

1. (tr) to improve the natural features of (a garden, park, etc), as by creating contoured features and planting trees

2. (intr) to work as a landscape gardener

Other Word Forms

• relandscape verb

Etymology

Origin of landscape

First recorded in 1590–1600; 1925–30 landscape for def. 5; from Dutch landschap; cognate with Old English landsceap, landscipe; akin to German Landschaft; equivalent to land + -ship

Explanation

To landscape is to enhance a space with plants. If you landscape your yard with flowering plants and trees — and you have a green thumb — you'll end up with a beautiful garden. If you paint nature scenes, like mountains, lakes, or fields, your art is called landscape painting. If you don't paint that well, however, and the perspective on your landscapes is always a little bit off, you can try landscape photography instead. Any expanse of natural scenery that can be seen from one viewpoint is also called a landscape. The artistic meaning of landscape is the earliest, dating from the 1600s.

Example Sentences

It’s not just better for hikes; you’ll start to appreciate the contours, as you explore the gardens, but also the larger landscape which makes sense of them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

It forms part of a wider landscape in which scientists are exploring technological solutions to help people with deterioration of physical or mental abilities enjoy their hobbies and participate in physical environments.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The shift could redraw the industry’s competitive landscape, benefiting some companies while hurting others, a Mizuho analyst says.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

“Expansive living with high ceilings and beautiful coffered wood accents, allowing natural light to pour through windows that frame views of the surrounding landscape and patio spaces,” the listing continues.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

By early afternoon on Sunday, May 18, duBeth was on a helicopter above the ruined landscape with newspaper photographer Roger Werth, flying over the North Fork of the Toutle River.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

Related Words

• mural
• painting
• photograph
• scene
• scenery
• view