prairie

word

/ˈpɹɛɹi/
PRAIR-ee
/pɹˈeəɹi/
PRAIR-ee

Definition

A large, flat area of grassland, especially in North America, with few or no trees. Prairies are home to many wild animals and plants.

Usage & Nuances

'Prairie' is mainly used to describe the grasslands in North America, not to be confused with 'savanna' (tropical), 'meadow' (smaller, European), or 'steppe' (Eurasia). Collocations: 'prairie grass', 'prairie dog', 'prairie fire'. It is more formal or neutral, rarely used in daily conversation unless discussing geography or animals.

Example Sentences

Many wildflowers grow in the prairie.

basic

Standing on the prairie, you can see for miles with nothing in your way.

natural

The sunset over the prairie is absolutely beautiful.

natural

Farmers worry about wildfires sweeping the prairie in the summer.

natural

The prairie is full of tall grass.

basic

We saw buffalo running across the prairie.

basic