# wetland

/ˈwɛtˌɫænd/ (US) · /wˈɛtlənd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wetland
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

an area of land that is always or often covered by water. These places, like marshes or swamps, are important for many plants and animals.

For teachers: an ecosystem characterized by land that is saturated with or submerged under water, either permanently or seasonally. Often used in environmental and ecological contexts to describe marshes, bogs, and swamps.

## Examples

- The local wetland is home to many rare birds.
- Environmentalists are working to protect the coastal wetland from being drained for new housing developments.
- Restoring the natural wetland acts as a biological filter, significantly improving water quality while providing a critical buffer against seasonal flooding in the surrounding valley.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the plural ('wetlands') when referring to a large geographic area or a specific environmental system.

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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.