noun

glade

GLAYD/ɡleɪd/

An open clearing in a forest.

The sunlit glade is enclosed by surrounding trees.

A sunlit grassy clearing visibly enclosed by forest, with an uninterrupted open center and trees around its perimeter.

Etymology

The origin is uncertain, but one suggestion connects glade with a word meaning “bright.” If that is right, its original image was a bright space where the woods open up.

In context

Wild Habitat - Nature Documentaries21:08

only in clearings islands of sunlight that attract many forest animals not only hummingbirds a vast variety of butterflies flutter around the blossoms or fight for territorial rights in the Glade

Unravelling The Mysteries Behind These Unique Butterflies And Mega Moths | Insect Documentary

More examples

The deer gather in the grassy glade.
We stop to rest in a glade beside the trail.
Wildflowers cover the small glade each spring.

Forms

glade · glades

Similar words

clearing: The general term for an open area within woods.
meadow: A meadow is open grassland; a glade is an opening surrounded by woods.