blanket bog

noun

: a highly acidic peat bog that spreads out widely over the landscape and is found in cool climates with high levels of rainfall and humidity

Blanket bogs form as the peat spreads out over the landscape like a blanket.

—Rebecca Marsden, Geographical Magazine, September 1991

Called blanket bog for good reason, these boglands cover hundreds of soggy … square miles in northwest Mayo, which helps explain why the region is Ireland's least populous.

—Megan Harlan, New York Times, 8 July 2001

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now