wetlands
n. C / Un. areas of land that are covered by water for most of the year. These places, like swamps or marshes, are home to many different plants and animals.
n. areas of land where the soil is saturated with moisture, either permanently or seasonally. Often used to describe ecosystems such as marshes, swamps, and bogs that support aquatic and terrestrial life.
The local wetlands are home to many rare birds.
Environmentalists are working to protect the coastal wetlands from being destroyed by new housing developments.
The restoration of the inland wetlands has significantly improved the region's natural water filtration and provided a vital buffer against seasonal flooding.
Usually appears in the plural form when referring to a specific geographic area or ecosystem type.