English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

savanna

suh-VA-nuh

Savanna (noun) means a grassy plain with scattered trees, typical of tropical and subtropical regions, where the trees are spaced too far apart to form a closed canopy. Example: “Lions and zebras roam the African savanna.”

noun
1
A grassy plain with scattered trees, typical of tropical and subtropical regions, where the trees are spaced too far apart to form a closed canopy.
"Lions and zebras roam the African savanna."
"The dry season turns the savanna a golden brown."

How to Use Savanna

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn open, grassy landscape with scattered trees, found in warm climates.

Common pairings
African savanna savanna grassland savanna ecosystem

Word Forms

savannas plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “savanna” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Lions and zebras roam the African _____.

Etymology

From Spanish sabana, itself borrowed from a Taíno word describing open grassland.

Origin: Spanish

Related Words

Rhymes for savanna

See all rhymes for savanna →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “savanna” mean?

The word “savanna” means a grassy plain with scattered trees, typical of tropical and subtropical regions, where the trees are spaced too far apart to form a closed canopy. In plain terms, an open, grassy landscape with scattered trees, found in warm climates.

How do you pronounce “savanna”?

“Savanna” is pronounced suh-VA-nuh (/səˈvænə/ in IPA).

How do you use “savanna” in a sentence?

Here is “savanna” used in a sentence: “Lions and zebras roam the African savanna.”

What part of speech is “savanna”?

“Savanna” is a noun.

Where does the word “savanna” come from?

The word “savanna” comes from Spanish. From Spanish sabana, itself borrowed from a Taíno word describing open grassland.

Featured In

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial