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

From freezing Alaskan tundras to the unexpected cold snaps of southern states, here's a look at the coldest temperatures ever recorded across the country, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

There are two sleeping cars for guests divided into berths of upper and lower bunk beds — out on the tundra this is five-star luxury. —Adam Morganstern, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Expect unspoiled tundra sprinkled with musk oxen and reindeer on this roughly ten-day trek. —Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 21 Nov. 2024

Flying over the tundra, lights flickering from distant villages, things were finally good. —Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 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