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

• campo
• champaign
• down(s)
• grassland
• heath
• lea
• ley
• llano
• moor
• pampa
• plain
• prairie
• savanna
• savannah
• steppe
• veld
• veldt

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

Scientists believe that reintroducing mammoth-like creatures to the Arctic tundra could help restore ancient grassland ecosystems and potentially slow permafrost thawing, which releases greenhouse gases. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 24 May 2025

Canadian Rangers make a trail across the tundra for U.S. Special Forces following behind. —Gavin John, New York Times, 31 May 2025

Just take a hike along the tundra regions of Western Canada, and the significance of that phrase will become clear to you. —Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2025

In Alaska and Canada, beavers are pushing north, moving into tundra regions where warmer temperatures have made new territory accessible. —Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

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