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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Western Europe - Middle School and High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
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.
Because of its size and severity, this high-intensity burn area will remain what is called montane chaparral for decades, he said.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 28, 2025
Yes, some of the green was invasive species, but some was made up of native grasses and shrubby chaparral plants.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025
Other chaparral plants do not rely on fire but instead simply tolerate it.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2025
“To restore the natural fire frequency and chaparral habitats,” it states, “Topanga State Park should be left to burn within reasonable public safety limits and outside of fire exclusion zones.”
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2025
Like cottontail rabbits and chaparral birds and a baby possum that sulked and lay like dead for the first several hours until he finally decided that Arliss wasn’t going to hurt him.
From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson
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.
