prairie

noun

prai·​rie ˈprer-ē 

often attributive

1

: land in or predominantly in grass

2

: a tract of grassland: such as

a

: a large area of level or rolling land in the Mississippi River valley that in its natural uncultivated state usually has deep fertile soil, a cover of tall coarse grasses, and few trees

b

: one of the dry treeless plateaus east of the Rocky Mountains that merge on their east side with the prairies proper and are characterized by shorter grasses and drier less fertile soil

Synonyms of prairie

• steppe
• plain
• grassland
• savanna
• pampa
• meadow
• veld

Examples of prairie in a Sentence

Millions of buffalo once roamed the prairies.

The train tracks extend over miles of prairie.

Recent Examples on the Web

His family moved from the city to the suburbs for more space, giving Sullivan fond memories of exploring the prairie and woods past their subdivision. — Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Women in their 20s and 30s have been drawn to Sézane like moths to a flame, stocking up on the lacey button-downs, knit sweaters, beachy totes and prairie dresses to fill their work and weekend wardrobes. — Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026

The Argentinian prairie is adorned with imaginary houses, castles and theatres as the young girls construct spontaneous, invisible cities, stories and games in which Koberidze’s likewise unseen characters could live. — Manahil Tahira, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026

The Reflecting Pool, the Smithsonian and prairie pothole wetland easements, in readers' eyes. — Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French praierie, from Vulgar Latin *prataria, from Latin pratum meadow

First Known Use

circa 1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing prairie

• prairie chicken
• prairie dog
• prairie schooner
• prairie soil
• prairie wolf
• short-grass prairie
• tallgrass prairie

Rhymes for prairie

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

prairie

noun

prai·​rie ˈpre(ə)r-ē 

: a large area of level or rolling grassland