Glade: meaning, definitions and examples

A glade refers to an open space within a forest. It often has a serene and peaceful connotation and is used more in poetic or literary contexts.

• They settled for a picnic in a sunny glade.

Clearing is an open area in a forest where trees have been removed, either naturally or by human intervention. It is commonly used in everyday language.

• The cabin was located in a small clearing.

Meadow refers to a flat, grassy area, usually without trees, that can occur naturally or be maintained as a field for grazing. It often has a pastoral, rural connotation.

• Cows were grazing in the lush meadow.

Opening refers to a general open space within a larger area, such as a forest, and is often used to describe a break in dense forestation. It can be used in both everyday and formal contexts.

• They walked for hours before they found an opening where they could rest.