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

Bursting at the seams with impressive wildlife, sparkling rivers and lakes, and distinctive tundra vegetation, Denali National Park’s rugged terrain is best appreciated in the summertime. —Giovanna Caravetta, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026

Beginning in Anchorage and finishing in Nome, competitors race through blizzards, sub-zero temperatures and gale force winds in a racing event that crosses through a rugged landscape of tundra and spruce forests, over hills and mountain passes, across rivers and even over sea ice. —Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026

When spring comes in March, Oklahoma will be far from the winter tundra caused by January snow storms. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 31 Jan. 2026

And there’s fabulous hiking and skiing on offer in the national park, a huge expanse of tundra and boulder fields laced with silver rivers over which sea eagles can often be seen, swooping low. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 22 Jan. 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