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 of tundra

• prairie
• steppe
• plain
• grassland
• savanna

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

Within the 558,000 acres are nine primary ecosystems ranging from alpine tundra to pinyon-juniper forest to shortgrass prairie. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026

Its a landscape of mountains, glaciers, fjords, tundra and sea ice. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Do not go lightly, but go joyfully because riding the tundra mountain wilderness may be your ultimate connection with the natural world—and your role in it as a legitimate hunter. — Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026

By July and August, the mountainsides have turned green, wildflowers bloom across the alpine tundra, and Skagway is at its busiest as the cruise season reaches its peak. — Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026

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