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
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The biggest find on Tracks II is Inyo, a portrait of the California badlands, set in border towns, desert roads, and aqueducts, with the heavy influence of mariachi bands. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025 The view was shocking: miles and miles of rock—mudstone badlands—filling the horizon. Jane Siegel, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2025 Trek through the heart of the namesake toadstools and other unique badlands formations by setting out on the one-mile Toadstool Loop. Brian Higgins, Outside Online, 20 May 2025 Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota The buttes, bluffs, and pinnacles of the North Dakota badlands make for desirable backpacking come summer. Erica Zazo, Outside Online, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for badland

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of badland was in 1850

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Cite this Entry

“Badland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/badland. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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

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