prairie
n.-
1 grassland (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea very large, flat area of land covered in grass with almost no trees.
an extensive area of relatively flat grassland with few or no trees, particularly the temperate ecosystems of central North America.
ExampleThe pioneers traveled for weeks across the flat prairie before they saw any mountains.
ExampleConservationists are working to restore the native tallgrass prairie, which once supported a vast and diverse ecosystem of bison and wildflowers.
Usageoften used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the specific region in North America.
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2 the Canadian Prairies (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthe large farming region in central Canada.
a specific geographic and political region in central Canada comprising the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
ExampleMany families moved to the Prairies to start large wheat farms.
ExampleEconomic shifts in the Prairies have led to significant urbanization as younger generations move away from traditional agricultural lifestyles.
Usageusually capitalized and pluralized as 'the Prairies'.
- the plains
Borrowed from French prairie.