meadowland: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1literary, formal, agricultural, geographical
Quick answer
What does “meadowland” mean?
an area of land permanently covered with grass and other non-woody plants, typically used for hay or grazing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
an area of land permanently covered with grass and other non-woody plants, typically used for hay or grazing.
Can refer broadly to any expanse of grassland, often with pastoral or scenic associations, and may imply ecological or agricultural value.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in UK English, especially in formal, literary, and agricultural contexts. In US English, 'prairie', 'grassland', or simply 'meadow' are often preferred.
Connotations
UK: Strongly pastoral, idyllic, historical. US: May sound slightly formal or archaic; more likely in geographical or ecological texts.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but relatively higher in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “meadowland” in a Sentence
area/expanse/tract of meadowlandthe meadowlands of [region]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meadowland” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not a standard verb]
American English
- [Not a standard verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not an adverb]
American English
- [Not an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not a standard adjective; use 'meadow' as in 'meadow flowers']
American English
- [Not a standard adjective; use 'meadow' as in 'meadow grasses']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in agricultural real estate or environmental consulting.
Academic
Used in geography, ecology, agricultural science, and historical studies.
Everyday
Uncommon. Might appear in nature writing, travel descriptions, or rural discussions.
Technical
Used in agriculture, land management, and environmental conservation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meadowland”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meadowland”
- Using 'meadowland' as a countable noun for a single small meadow (prefer 'meadow').
- Misspelling as 'medowland'.
- Overusing in contexts where 'field' or 'grassland' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Meadow' refers to the grassy ecosystem or a specific field. 'Meadowland' emphasizes the *tract* or *area* of land consisting of meadows, often used in plural ('meadowlands') to describe a region.
No, it is of low frequency and is more common in formal, literary, agricultural, or geographical contexts than in everyday conversation.
Extremely rarely. It inherently describes rural, non-urban landscapes. An urban park might have a 'meadow' but would not typically be called 'meadowland'.
No, 'meadowland' is exclusively a noun. There is no standard verb derived from it.
an area of land permanently covered with grass and other non-woody plants, typically used for hay or grazing.
Meadowland is usually literary, formal, agricultural, geographical in register.
Meadowland: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmedəʊlænd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmedoʊlænd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'meadowland']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MEADOW' + 'LAND' = LAND that is a meadow.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEADOWLAND IS A RESOURCE (to be cultivated, protected, exploited). MEADOWLAND IS A SANCTUARY (a place of peace and natural beauty).
Practice
Quiz
Which word is LEAST likely to be a synonym for 'meadowland' in a technical agricultural report?