Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Savannah Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌾
Add to dictionary

savannah

[səˈvænə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

wildlife

A savannah is a flat grassland in a tropical or subtropical region, typically with scattered trees.

Synonyms

grassland, prairie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
savannah

This is a duplicate of 'savannah' and would be used in the same context as the first entry.

  • Giraffes can often be found grazing on the savannah.
  • The annual rainfall in the savannah is quite variable.
grassland

This term is generally applied to large, open areas of grass, often found in temperate regions. It is a more general term that can describe various landscapes around the world without implying a tropical climate.

  • The American Midwest is known for its vast grasslands.
  • Grasslands are home to many different species of plants and animals.
prairie

Prairie is mostly used to describe extensive, flat or gently rolling grasslands, particularly those found in North America. It often conveys a more specific geographic and cultural reference.

  • The prairie stretches out far and wide under the open sky.
  • Bison once roamed the prairies in great numbers.

Examples of usage

  • The savannah is home to a variety of wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, and lions.
  • Many African countries have vast savannahs that are popular for safaris.
Context #2 | Noun

ecosystem

Savannah refers to a biome characterized by the coexistence of trees and grasses.

Synonyms

grassland, plain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
savannah

Usually refers to a mixed grassland ecosystem with scattered trees, commonly found in tropical or subtropical regions. It often evokes a sense of exotic wildlife and open spaces.

  • The African savannah is home to lions, elephants, and many other fascinating animals.
  • They traveled across the savannah, watching the sunset over the grass and acacia trees.
grassland

A general term for an area where grasses dominate the vegetation. This term can be used in a variety of geographic and climatic settings from prairies to steppes.

  • The prairies of North America are vast stretches of grassland.
  • Wildflowers bloom across the grassland in the spring.
plain

Refers to a flat and expansive area of land, usually with few trees. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including geographical, agricultural, and even metaphorical ones.

  • The Great Plains of the United States are well known for their wide-open spaces.
  • They built their farm on the fertile plain, which stretched as far as the eye could see.

Examples of usage

  • The savannah ecosystem is important for biodiversity.
  • Animals in the savannah have adapted to the dry conditions.
Context #3 | Noun

geography

A savannah is a large, open area of grassland with few trees.

Synonyms

plain, steppe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
savannah

Used to describe a grassy plain in tropical and subtropical regions with few trees. Often associated with regions like Africa.

  • The African savannah is home to diverse wildlife including lions and elephants.
  • During our safari, we saw a herd of zebras grazing on the savannah.
plain

A large area of flat land with few trees which can be found in various climates, including temperate and continental regions.

  • The Great Plains in the United States are known for their expansive, flat landscapes.
  • Farmers often cultivate crops on the fertile plains.
steppe

Refers to large, flat grasslands, particularly in Eurasia, with semi-arid to arid climate often supporting patches of shrubs.

  • The steppes of Kazakhstan stretch across vast areas of the country.
  • Nomadic tribes have roamed the steppes for centuries, herding livestock.

Examples of usage

  • The African savannah is one of the most iconic landscapes on the continent.
  • Many savannahs around the world are under threat from deforestation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Ecology

  • Savannahs are important ecosystems that support diverse wildlife, including large herbivores and predators.
  • These regions often experience seasonal rainfall, which creates a dynamic habitat that supports both drought-resistant and water-loving plants.

Culture

  • Savannahs often inspire art, literature, and film, representing freedom and adventure in various cultures.
  • Locations like the Serengeti in Tanzania are iconic savannahs that attract millions of tourists every year for wildlife safaris.

Climate

  • Savannahs typically have a distinct wet and dry season, influencing the types of vegetation and animal behaviors.
  • These areas are key to studying climate change, as their ecosystems can shift dramatically with even small changes in weather patterns.

Wildlife

  • Famous animals found in savannahs include elephants, giraffes, and zebras, each adapted to thrive in this environment.
  • Predators like lions and cheetahs use the open space to hunt, showcasing a unique predator-prey relationship.

Origin of 'savannah'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'savannah' comes from Spanish 'sabana,' meaning a flat, treeless plain.
  • The word's origins trace back to the Taino, an indigenous Caribbean people, linking it to the landscape they inhabited.

The word 'savannah' originated from the Taino word 'zabana' which means an open field. It was later adopted into Spanish as 'sabana' and eventually made its way into English as 'savannah'. The term is commonly used to describe the grassy plains found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,639, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.