noun
fen
fehn
Fen (noun) means a low-lying wetland fed by groundwater, typically less acidic than a bog. Example: “The nature reserve protects one of the last fens in the region.”
noun
1
A low-lying wetland fed by groundwater, typically less acidic than a bog.
"The nature reserve protects one of the last fens in the region."
2
A swamp or marsh in general.
"They got the truck stuck in a muddy fen."
How to use fen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA type of wetland, or loosely, any marshy ground.
Common pairings
the Fens (East Anglia)
fen drainage
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Word forms
- Plural
- fens
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The nature reserve protects one of the last _____ in the region.
Etymology
From Old English fenn ("marsh, mud"), from a very old Indo-European root meaning "bog" or "mire."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “fen” mean?
The word “fen” means a low-lying wetland fed by groundwater, typically less acidic than a bog. In plain terms, a type of wetland, or loosely, any marshy ground.
How do you pronounce “fen”?
“Fen” is pronounced fehn (/fɛn/ in IPA).
How do you use “fen” in a sentence?
Here is “fen” used in a sentence: “The nature reserve protects one of the last fens in the region.”
What part of speech is “fen”?
“Fen” is a noun.
Where does the word “fen” come from?
The word “fen” comes from Old English. From Old English fenn ("marsh, mud"), from a very old Indo-European root meaning "bog" or "mire.".
How many meanings does “fen” have?
“Fen” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a low-lying wetland fed by groundwater, typically less acidic than a bog.
