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

• 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

Unlike tundra buggy tours elsewhere in the Arctic, Seal River guests head out twice a day on foot, single file, accompanied by three guides. —Susan Portnoy, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025

Contestants must pack versatile clothing Contestants might find themselves in the middle of the Sahara Desert one day and Russia's frozen tundra the next. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025

This Ghost of Yōtei haunts the red maple forests and stalks the snowy tundra in search of those whose names are written on the sash wrapped around her waist. —Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025

Their nearest relative, the gray wolf, still roams forests and tundras. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 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