Savannah: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.