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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The surrounding badlands provide the perfect habitat for a wealth of cactus species, while mammals span from mule deer to the pronghorn, an antelope-like animal that’s distantly related to modern-day giraffes. Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 The widespread badlands of the modern Bighorn Basin expose remarkably fossil-rich sediments. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025 That is because of the wide-open spaces of the badlands and minimal light pollution. Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 19 Aug. 2025 Contrary to the arid badlands of Ledi-Geraru today, millions of years ago, the area was a lush, vegetated landscape with rivers and shallow lakes. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 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 11 Sep. 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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