savanna

noun

sa·​van·​na sə-ˈva-nə 

variants or less commonly savannah

1

: a treeless plain especially in Florida

2

a

: a tropical or subtropical grassland (as of eastern Africa or northern South America) containing scattered trees and drought-resistant undergrowth

b

: a temperate grassland with scattered trees (such as oaks)

Synonyms of savanna

• prairie
• steppe
• plain
• grassland

Examples of savanna in a Sentence

lions roaming the savanna

Recent Examples on the Web

Throughout the trip, travelers will have the opportunity to see the Great Migration, explore expansive savanna views, enjoy a helicopter flight over the famed Victoria Falls, go stargazing in the Namib Desert, spot lemurs in Madagascar, and more. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2026

But just like on a coral reef or savanna, eliminating predators threw the entire ecosystem out of whack. — Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 27 July 2026

Irwin had previously offered to host the ceremony at Australia Zoo, which apparently holds quite a few weddings overlooking its African savanna section. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026

Besides rolling, open savannas and nearby waterholes—with views of the mountains beyond—the sanctuary is home to one of Africa’s largest populations of both black and white rhinos and plays a pivotal role in conservation efforts, too. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish zavana, from Taino zabana

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for savanna

• arana
• arcana
• banana
• bandana
• bandanna
• brahmana
• cabana
• campana
• diana
• fianna
• hosanna
• hyaena

Kids Definition

savanna

noun

sa·​van·​na

variants also savannah

sə-ˈvan-ə 

: a grassland (as of eastern Africa or northern South America) containing scattered trees