tundra

noun

tun·​dra ˈtən-drə 

 also  ˈtu̇n-

: a level or rolling treeless plain that is characteristic of arctic and subarctic regions, consists of black mucky soil with a permanently frozen subsoil, and has a dominant vegetation of mosses, lichens, herbs, and dwarf shrubs

also : a similar region confined to mountainous areas above timberline

Synonyms

• campo
• champaign
• down(s)
• grassland
• heath
• lea
• ley
• llano
• moor
• pampa
• plain
• prairie
• savanna
• savannah
• steppe
• veld
• veldt

Examples of tundra in a Sentence

a report on the arctic tundra of Alaska and the polar bears that inhabit that vast, frozen plain

Recent Examples on the Web

That first day on the Northwest Passage is far and away the most colorful, the tundra dappled with the autumn colors and shore excursions to view the two-billion-year-old stromatolites at Port Epworth, an area nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

The room features heated bathroom floors and thoughtful Nordic design touches that make the space feel both efficient and welcoming — a far cry from the tundra on the other side of the glass. —Ryan Craggs, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2025

The genetic sequences in question are mammoth, collected from ancient samples discovered in the frozen tundra, that will then be edited into genes found in Asian elephant cells, according to Bloomberg. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2025

Buy Now 06 of 10 ‘Alice in a Winter Wonderland’ by Jan Brett What if Alice's Adventures in Wonderland took place in the Alaskan tundra? —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Russian, from Russian dialect (northeast) tundra, tundara, from Kildin Sami (Sami language of the northern Kola Peninsula) tūnter

First Known Use

circa 1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tundra

• tundra swan

Kids Definition

tundra

noun

tun·​dra ˈtən-drə 

 also  ˈtu̇n-

: a treeless plain especially of arctic regions having a permanently frozen layer below the surface soil and plant life made up mostly of mosses, lichens, herbs, and very small shrubs