ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prairie

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɹɛɹi// UK //pɹˈeəɹi// prairie

n. a large, flat area of land covered mostly with grass and very few trees. You usually find these in North America where the soil is good for farming.

n. a wide expanse of level or rolling grassland, specifically the temperate grasslands of North America. Often characterised by fertile soil and a lack of significant tree cover.


SIMPLE

The sun sets beautifully over the open prairie.

CONTEXTUAL

Early settlers traveled for weeks across the vast prairie before finding a suitable place to build a farm.

COMPLEX

Conservationists are working to restore the native prairie by reintroducing indigenous grasses and protecting the local bison population from further habitat loss.

Origin

Borrowed from French prairie.

Usage

Used as an uncountable noun when referring to the habitat type; countable when referring to a specific geographic region.

Idioms1 entry

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