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

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of grassland¹

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

Example Sentences

“It would have also been near an extensive grassland with lots of available plant resources and lots of animals that are using those resources coming down to the lake for water.”

From Salon

Turkeys like to nest in grasslands or open forests.

From Salon

About 30% of the area burned by the Mountain fire was grassland, according to a Times analysis of land cover data.

From Los Angeles Times

In other words, the data suggest dense forests gave way to more open grasslands.

From Science Magazine

Herders scooping murky water from a small pond in grasslands in South Sudan are well aware of the dangers they face if they drink it.

From BBC

Related Words

• pasture
• plain
• prairie
• savanna
• steppe