Pasture: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is typically used when referring to land covered with grass or other low plants suitable for grazing animals, especially cattle or sheep.

• The cows were happily grazing in the pasture
• The farmer decided to rotate the pasture to prevent overgrazing

Used more in an ecological or geographical sense, grassland refers to vast open areas where the dominant vegetation is grass. It's often used to describe regions like prairies and savannas.

• The African grasslands are home to many species of wildlife
• Conservationists are working to protect native grasslands from development

This term is often used to describe a field, especially one that is naturally occurring and used for haymaking. Meadows are typically picturesque and may have flowers mixed with the grass.

• We had a picnic in the beautiful meadow filled with wildflowers
• The deer grazed quietly in the sunny meadow

A 'field' can have multiple uses, including agriculture, sports, and general open land. It is a broad term that doesn't specify the type of vegetation or its purpose.

• The children played soccer in the field
• The farmer planted corn in the large field behind his house

Use 'pasture' when referring to a large area of grassland where animals like cows, sheep, or horses feed.

• The cows are grazing peacefully in the pasture.
• We need to fence off the new pasture to keep the goats in.

Use 'graze' when animals eat grass or plants, often moving slowly across a field while doing so.

• The sheep love to graze on the fresh green grass.
• Cattle graze in the open fields all day long.

Use 'feed' to talk about giving food to animals or the process of animals eating.

• Don't forget to feed the chickens in the morning.
• The farmer feeds the pigs twice a day.

Use 'range' to describe a large open area where animals roam and feed, often used for wild or free-ranging livestock.

• Wild horses can be seen running freely across the range.
• Cattle on the range are able to find food and water on their own.