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 of tundra

• prairie
• steppe
• plain
• grassland
• savanna

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

When Kyl returned to the halls of Congress in 2018, he was known as Kavanaugh's chief sherpa -- an informal but widely known term for a nominee's guide to the political tundra in the Senate. — Jacques Billeaud The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026

When Kyl returned to the halls of Congress in 2018, he was known as Kavanaugh’s chief Sherpa — an informal but widely known term for a nominee’s guide to the political tundra in the Senate. — Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

When Kyl returned to the halls of Congress in 2018, he was known as Kavanaugh's chief Sherpa — an informal but widely known term for a nominee's guide to the political tundra in the Senate. — CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Shortly before midnight, the crew beat out a fifty-acre fire that was smoldering delicately through lush green tundra. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

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