Lawn: meaning, definitions and examples

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lawn

[lɔːn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in the garden

An area of short, mown grass in a yard, garden, or park.

Synonyms

field, meadow, yard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lawn	A lawn typically refers to a well-maintained, grassy area in a residential garden or park. It's usually mowed and landscaped. She spent the afternoon mowing the lawn. They placed a sprinkler on the front lawn to water the grass.
yard	A yard is a general term for the outdoor area around a house. It can include lawns, gardens, and even driveways. It is more versatile than a lawn. Kids were playing in the backyard. He built a treehouse in the yard.
meadow	A meadow is a natural, grassy area that is often found in the countryside. It typically has wildflowers and is less manicured than a lawn. They walked through the meadow filled with blooming wildflowers. Deer were grazing in the peaceful meadow.
field	A field is a large, open area of land that is generally more rugged than a lawn. It can be used for agriculture, sports, or just an open space. The soccer team practiced out in the field. Farmers planted wheat in the field behind the house.

Examples of usage

She sat on the lawn and enjoyed the sunshine.
He played football on the lawn with his friends.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

landscaping

A piece of land covered with grass kept closely mown.

Synonyms

greensward, sward, turf.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lawn	Commonly used in everyday language to describe a well-maintained area of grass in residential gardens or public parks. She spent the afternoon mowing the lawn. The kids played soccer on the lawn.
turf	Frequently used in the context of sports fields or specific types of prepared surfaces, such as golf courses and football pitches. Can also refer to artificial grass. The football game was played on artificial turf. They installed new turf in the stadium.
sward	Mostly used in agricultural or botanical contexts to describe a grassy surface layer of earth, typically used in scientific or technical discussions. Heavy rainfall has caused the sward to become waterlogged. The farmer inspected the quality of the sward in his fields.
greensward	A bit more old-fashioned and formal, often found in literary or poetic descriptions of lush, green grassy areas. They picnicked on the greensward under the shade of an ancient oak.

Examples of usage

The lawn in front of the house was well-maintained and green.
The estate had expansive lawns that required regular maintenance.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

gardening

To cut the grass in an area of ground to keep it short.

Synonyms

cut, mow, trim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lawn	Use when referring to a piece of land covered with grass, typically in front of or behind a house. The children are playing on the lawn. He loves to relax and read a book on the lawn.
mow	Use specifically when talking about cutting grass, typically using a machine called a lawnmower. I have to mow the lawn this weekend. He always mows his lawn every Saturday.
cut	Use in a general sense when referring to reducing the size or length of something. Can be used negatively if something important is reduced. He needs to cut the long grass in his yard. The company plans to cut its expenses.
trim	Use when referring to cutting small amounts, usually for neatness or to maintain a specific shape. It often implies careful adjustment. She regularly trims the edges of her lawn. He needs to trim the bushes in the garden.

Examples of usage

I need to mow the lawn this weekend.
He was lawn mowing in the backyard when I arrived.

Etymology

The word 'lawn' originated from the Old English word 'laund', which meant an open space in a forest. Over time, it evolved to refer to a piece of land covered with grass kept closely mown, commonly found in yards, gardens, or parks. Lawns have been a part of landscaping and gardening practices for centuries, with different cultures developing their own styles of lawns for aesthetic and recreational purposes. Today, lawns are a common feature in residential and public spaces, symbolizing nature, beauty, and relaxation.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,688 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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7685 paralysis
7686 nonsense
7687 baptism
7688 lawn
7689 vitality
7690 ascending
7691 harvesting
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