noun
pampas
PAM-pus/ˈpæmpəs/
Treeless grassland plains of southern South America.
The treeless pampas stretch toward the horizon beyond the two rheas.
Etymology
The Quechua word for a plain appears here with a Spanish plural ending. This ordinary landscape term became the name for the vast, treeless plains of southern South America.
In context
… At first glance, the Pampas might appear simple, just endless plains of grass under a wide sky. But the longer you stand there …
More examples
- Strong winds sweep across the pampas.
- Our bus crosses the pampas on its way to Buenos Aires.
- The fertile soil of the pampas supports extensive farming.
Forms
pampa · pampas
Similar words
- grassland
- Describes grassy land anywhere, not specifically in South America.
- prairie
- Usually refers to North American grasslands rather than South American plains.