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

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

We cross a vast countryside - scrub and grassland plains interspersed with views of lush farms – and pass a meandering river, craggy terrain and undulating hills.

From BBC

The owls inhabit grasslands, shrublands and deserts, as well as “human-altered landscapes,” including agricultural lands, golf courses and cattle pastures, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Anne Hilborn told the commission.

From Los Angeles Times

But for many of the people who start fires in forests or grasslands, he said, the motive appears to be “driven by some excitement they get out of it.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pasture
• plain
• prairie
• savanna
• steppe