Word
meadow
Phoneticsmead·ow, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɛˌdoʊ/
UK/mˈɛdəʊ/
Definitions
01grassy field
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a field of grass, often with wild flowers, where animals might eat or where grass is grown for hay.
n. a field or pasture covered with grass and often wildflowers, typically used for grazing livestock or for mowing to produce hay.
“The children ran through the meadow picking yellow buttercups in the summer sun.”
“The valley was filled with lush alpine meadows that remained vibrant until the first heavy frosts of late October.”
Usage
Often used in literary or descriptive contexts to evoke a sense of natural beauty.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse 'meadow' with 'field'; explain that a meadow specifically implies grass and wildflowers, whereas a field could be for any crop like corn or wheat.
02low-lying wetland
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical
n. low, flat land near a river that is often wet and covered in long grass.
n. low-lying, moist grassland, especially near a river or in a marshy area.
“The water meadow flooded every winter when the river rose above its banks.”
“Ecologists are working to restore the coastal meadows, which provide a vital habitat for migratory wading birds.”
Usage
Frequently appears in compound forms like 'water meadow'.
Teaching tip
This sense is more technical and specific to geography or ecology.
Related words
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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