Definition

Proper noun A geographical and cultural region in northern Europe, traditionally inhabited by the Sámi people (historically referred to as Lapps). It encompasses parts of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. It is not a sovereign state but an Arctic area defined by Sámi culture and heritage.

Usage

"Lapland" is used as a proper noun to refer to this specific northern region. It is often associated with Arctic landscapes, the midnight sun, the northern lights, reindeer herding, and Sámi culture.

Examples

• Many tourists visit Lapland in winter to see the aurora borealis.
• The traditional livelihood in parts of Lapland is reindeer herding.
• Lapland stretches across four countries.

Advanced Usage

• "Finnish Lapland" / "Swedish Lapland" etc.: Used to specify the part of the Lapland region within a particular country.
  • Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is located in Finnish Lapland.

Variants and Related Words

• Lapp (noun, now often considered outdated or pejorative): A member of the Sámi people.
• Lappish (adjective): Of or relating to Lapland or the Sámi people.
• Sámi (noun): The preferred name for the indigenous people of Lapland.
• Sápmi (noun): The name in the Sámi languages for the cultural region traditionally inhabited by the Sámi people, largely corresponding to Lapland.

Synonyms

• Sápmi (the endonym, or name used by the people themselves)
• The Land of the Midnight Sun (a descriptive synonym emphasizing a natural phenomenon)

Notes on Usage

• The term "Lapp" and "Lapland" are exonyms (names given by outsiders). The terms Sámi (for the people) and Sápmi (for the region) are increasingly preferred in contemporary and respectful usage, though "Lapland" remains widely used in geographical and touristic contexts.

Noun

1. a region in northmost Europe inhabited by Lapps