badland

noun

bad·​land ˈbad-ˌland How to pronounce badland (audio)
: a region marked by intricate erosional sculpturing, scanty vegetation, and fantastically formed hills
usually used in plural

Examples of badland in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Top Activities: Drive the Scenic Loop Road: A 36-mile route offering stunning views of the badlands. Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 Its vast prairies, badlands, and river valleys are home to bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs. Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 The byway rambles through grassland and the tan-colored badlands, with pullouts that feature views of rock outcroppings and canyons and the Missouri River aglow with cottonwoods. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 16 Sep. 2024 This standard has even encroached on the genre of fiction, like a stop sign installed in the badlands. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for badland 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'badland.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of badland was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near badland

Cite this Entry

“Badland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/badland. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

badland

noun
bad·​land ˈbad-ˌland How to pronounce badland (audio)
: a region where natural forces have worn away the soft rocks into sharp and complicated shapes and where plant life is scarce
usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on badland

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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