Grassland Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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grassland

[หˆษกrรฆslรฆnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

wide open spaces

Grassland is an area covered with grass, especially one used for grazing.

Synonyms

meadow, prairie, savanna.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grassland

โ€˜Grasslandโ€™ is a general term used to describe large open areas where grasses are the dominant vegetation. It can refer to various types of ecosystems.

  • Many animals, such as elephants and lions, live in grassland regions
  • Climate change is affecting the world's grasslands
prairie

โ€˜Prairieโ€™ is specifically used for grasslands in the interior of North America, known for being flat or gently rolling and having tall grasses.

  • Bison used to roam the prairies in large numbers
  • The prairie landscape stretched out for miles, with no trees in sight
meadow

โ€˜Meadowโ€™ is often used to describe a field with lush grass and often wildflowers. It commonly implies a more picturesque, serene setting compared to other types of grasslands.

  • We had a picnic in the sunny meadow
  • Butterflies and bees flew over the wildflowers in the meadow
savanna

โ€˜Savannaโ€™ is usually used for tropical or subtropical regions with grass and scattered trees or shrubs. It often implies a warmer climate and seasonal changes.

  • Lions and zebras are commonly found in the African savanna
  • The savanna has a distinct wet and dry season

Examples of usage

  • Cattle graze on the grassland.
  • The grassland stretched out as far as the eye could see.
Context #2 | Noun

ecosystem

Grassland is a biome dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants.

Synonyms

pampas, steppe, veld.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grassland

A general term for large open areas covered with grass, often used to describe ecosystems without trees.

  • The grassland is home to many animals like bison and antelope
steppe

Describes vast, treeless plains found particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, known for their harsh climate.

  • Nomadic tribes have lived in the Central Asian steppe for centuries
pampas

Refers specifically to the fertile South American lowlands, mainly in Argentina and Uruguay.

  • The Argentine pampas are famous for their beef cattle
veld

Used to describe the open, grassy plains in South Africa, often characterized by mild climate and occasional shrubs.

  • The South African veld is a crucial habitat for many species including the springbok

Examples of usage

  • The grassland ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife.
  • Grasslands are important for carbon sequestration.

Translations

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Origin of 'grassland'

The term 'grassland' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'grass' and 'land'. Grasslands have been important ecosystems for thousands of years, providing habitats for diverse species and serving as valuable resources for human populations.


See also: grass, grasslands.