: a central area: such as
a
: a central land area (such as northern Eurasia) having strategic advantages
b
: the central geographical region of the U.S. in which mainstream or traditional values predominate
c
: a region where something (such as an industry or activity) most strongly thrives
the heartland of high technology

Examples of heartland in a Sentence

We drove into Scotland's heartland. a politician who is popular in the American heartland the heartland of high technology
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.
In some cases, Starlink has helped Ukraine extend the effective reach of its weapons, taking the fight deep into the Russian heartland. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026 Gran Grif operates in the country’s heartland, where dozens of houses were looted and burned and during a predawn assault in March in the town of Jean-Denis in the Lower Artibonite region. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026 The area is also part of the state’s agricultural heartland, from table grapes to California cattle. Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 The city kid goes to the country; the kid from the coast goes to the heartland. NBC news, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartland

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartland was in 1903

Cite this Entry

“Heartland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartland. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

: a central land area
especially : one of great economic and military importance

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