# prairie

/ˈpɹɛɹi/ (US) · /pɹˈeəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prairie
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. grassland

noun · CEFR B2

a very large, flat area of land covered in grass with almost no trees.

For teachers: an extensive area of relatively flat grassland with few or no trees, particularly the temperate ecosystems of central North America.

- The pioneers traveled for weeks across the flat prairie before they saw any mountains.
- Conservationists are working to restore the native tallgrass prairie, which once supported a vast and diverse ecosystem of bison and wildflowers.

Usage: often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the specific region in North America.

### 2. the Canadian Prairies

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the large farming region in central Canada.

For teachers: a specific geographic and political region in central Canada comprising the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

- Many families moved to the Prairies to start large wheat farms.
- Economic shifts in the Prairies have led to significant urbanization as younger generations move away from traditional agricultural lifestyles.

Usage: usually capitalized and pluralized as 'the Prairies'.

## Examples

- The sun sets beautifully over the open prairie.
- Early settlers traveled for weeks across the vast prairie before finding a suitable place to build a farm.
- Conservationists are working to restore the native prairie by reintroducing indigenous grasses and protecting the local bison population from further habitat loss.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.