downs
n. C / U C2 Proficiency US //ˈdaʊnz// UK //dˈaʊnz// downs
n. a type of high, grassy hill found in southern England. These hills are usually made of chalk and have very few trees.
n. an area of high, rolling chalk upland, specifically in southern and south-eastern England. Often used in the plural to refer to specific ranges like the North or South Downs.
We went for a long walk across the grassy downs.
The South Downs offer spectacular views of the English Channel from their high chalk cliffs.
The unique ecosystem of the downs supports a variety of rare wildflowers and butterflies that thrive on the thin, alkaline soil of the chalk slopes.
Usage
Almost always used in the plural form when referring to the geographical feature.