verb / noun

range

An open area over which movement occurs.

Cattle graze on the open range throughout the summer.

Etymology

Range developed a verb sense of moving across an area. The noun then named the extent of open country available for that movement or grazing.

More examples

  • Wolves range across the valley in search of food.
  • She practices her swing at the driving range.
  • The new vehicles undergo tests on a military range.

Forms

range · ranges · ranged · ranging

Similar words

roam
Emphasizes wandering freely rather than covering a particular area.
pasture
Specifically means grazing land, often enclosed and managed for livestock.