artificial turf: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to semi-formal; common in sports, landscaping, and architectural contexts.
Quick answer
What does “artificial turf” mean?
A surface made from synthetic fibers designed to resemble natural grass.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surface made from synthetic fibers designed to resemble natural grass.
Any synthetic material or system created to simulate a natural surface; also used metaphorically to describe something inauthentic or superficially natural.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English sometimes uses 'artificial grass' interchangeably. In sports contexts, '3G pitch' (third-generation) is common in the UK for modern artificial surfaces.
Connotations
In the UK, earlier generations had negative associations with injury risk; modern usage is more neutral. In the US, strong association with sports facilities and suburban landscaping.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to widespread use in sports stadiums and residential landscaping.
Grammar
How to Use “artificial turf” in a Sentence
NP have artificial turfNP install artificial turf on NPNP made of artificial turfVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “artificial turf” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The artificial-turf pitch needs less maintenance.
- We're considering an artificial-turf solution for the balcony.
American English
- The artificial-turf field can be used year-round.
- They offer an artificial-turf putting green.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the landscaping or sports facility supply industry.
Academic
Used in sports science discussions about surface performance and injury rates.
Everyday
Discussing home gardening, school playing fields, or pet areas.
Technical
Specifications regarding fiber type, infill material, drainage, and shock absorption.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “artificial turf”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “artificial turf”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “artificial turf”
- Using 'artificial turf' as a verb (*We will artificial turf the garden). Correct: 'install artificial turf in the garden'.
- Treating it as uncountable only – can be countable when referring to types or pieces (e.g., 'three different artificial turfs').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
AstroTurf is a proprietary brand name that became genericised. All AstroTurf is artificial turf, but not all artificial turf is AstroTurf.
Yes, modern recycling programmes exist, but the process can be complex due to the mix of materials like plastic fibres and rubber infill.
Yes, it can absorb and retain significantly more heat than natural grass, sometimes making surface temperatures uncomfortably high.
Generally yes, but it requires specific infill materials and proper drainage. Some pets may try to chew or dig at it.
A surface made from synthetic fibers designed to resemble natural grass.
Artificial turf is usually neutral to semi-formal; common in sports, landscaping, and architectural contexts. in register.
Artificial turf: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃl tɜːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃl tɜːrf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms specific to 'artificial turf' itself.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think ARTIFICIALLY green TURF – it's not real, it's made by art and science.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHENTICITY IS NATURAL / FAKENESS IS MANUFACTURED (e.g., 'Their hospitality felt like artificial turf').
Practice
Quiz
What is a key advantage of artificial turf mentioned in technical contexts?