tundra

noun

tun·​dra ˈtən-drə How to pronounce tundra (audio)
 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Climate projections show that areas covered today by the low-to-the-ground vegetation of the tundra could host growing forests by 2100. Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2025 Such descriptions enliven the book, and capture Shubin’s reverence for both the beauty and the mysteries hidden in the cold, barren tundra. The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 Imagine a place where polar bears roam free across rugged, remote terrain of grand glaciers and frozen tundra mixed with sub-zero temps throughout a three-month period of zero sun. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025 America’s largest state—encompassing mountains, coasts, lakes and tundra—captures about $5.6 billion in tourism spending each year. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tundra

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tundra was circa 1841

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tundra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tundra. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

tundra

noun
tun·​dra ˈtən-drə How to pronounce tundra (audio)
 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

More from Merriam-Webster on tundra

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