Definition

1. Noun:
   • A flat grassland in tropical or subtropical regions: A savannah is a large, open, grassy plain, typically with scattered trees and shrubs, found in warm climates. It is a distinct ecosystem between a desert and a forest.
   • A river in South Carolina that flows southeast to the Atlantic: The Savannah River is a major waterway forming a large part of the border between the U.S. states of Georgia and South Carolina.
   • A port in eastern Georgia near the mouth of the Savannah River: Savannah is a historic city and seaport located in the state of Georgia, USA, on the Savannah River.

Examples

• Noun (Grassland):
  • Lions and elephants are commonly found on the African savannah.
  • The savannah landscape is characterized by tall grasses and acacia trees.
• Noun (River):
  • The Savannah River is an important source of water for the region.
• Noun (City):
  • Savannah is known for its beautiful historic district and cobblestone streets.

Advanced Usage

• "savannah ecosystem": Refers to the complex community of plants and animals interacting in a savannah environment.
  • The health of the savannah ecosystem depends on seasonal rainfall.
• "savannah climate": Describes the climatic conditions typical of savannah regions, often with distinct wet and dry seasons.
  • Regions with a savannah climate experience a long dry season.

Variants and Related Words

• Savanna (n): An alternative, and very common, spelling for the grassland meaning.
  • The Serengeti is a famous savanna in Tanzania.
• Savannah-like (adj): Resembling or having the characteristics of a savannah.
  • The park had a savannah-like appearance with its wide, grassy areas.

Synonyms

• Grassland: A general term for a large open area of country covered with grass.
• Plain: A large area of flat land with few trees.
• Prairie: A large open area of grassland, especially in North America. (Note: Prairie typically refers to temperate grasslands, while savannah refers to tropical/subtropical ones.)

Related Phrases

• "savannah woodland": A type of savannah with a higher density of trees.
  • The savannah woodland provides more shade for animals.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. a flat grassland in tropical or subtropical regions
2. a river in South Carolina that flows southeast to the Atlantic
3. a port in eastern Georgia near the mouth of the Savannah river