WordGarden.ioland
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈænd/
US
- /ˈlænd/
Meanings
Noun
the solid part of the earth's surface, as opposed to sea or sky
a country, region, or territory
ground or property owned or used by someone
Verb
to come down onto the ground or water, especially at the end of a flight
to secure something successfully or make it connect as intended
Beyond the definition
"Land" seems simple enough—it's the solid ground we walk on. But it does much more than just support our feet. It can mean the earth, fields, or a country or area. A farmer works the land, a pilot lands a plane, and nations often fight over land. You can even land yourself in trouble!
Think about it: you might describe a place as "rolling hills and fertile land." Or perhaps you've heard of "the Land of Opportunity," referring to the United States. The word comes from Old English, where it meant "ground" or "soil," but its uses have grown over time.
The word "land" is surprisingly versatile! At its most basic, it refers to the part of the Earth's surface that isn't covered by water—the ground under our feet, fields for farming, and mountains reaching for the sky. This is often referred to as territory or ground. "The land was rich with minerals," or "They claimed the land as their own."
But "land" also describes the act of bringing something down to earth—most commonly an aircraft. When a pilot successfully lands a plane, they've brought it safely to the ground. This can be extended metaphorically: "He landed a fantastic job!" meaning he secured it successfully.
"Land" can even mean to arrive at a place after a journey. "We landed in Paris early this morning." It is about completing that final stage of travel and being on solid ground again.
Figuratively, "land" can also describe getting into a difficult situation. "He landed himself in hot water with his careless remarks." This implies he brought trouble upon himself.
Historically, the word is deeply connected to ownership, agriculture, and national identity. From ancient kingdoms built on fertile land to modern-day property rights, "land" has always been central to human civilization. So whether it's a physical place, an act of arrival, or a metaphorical predicament, "land" represents grounding, possession, and the very foundation of our world.
Examples
- 1
Sea travel
After three weeks at sea, the sailors finally saw land.
- 2
Property
They bought a small piece of land outside the village.
- 3
River area
The land around the river floods every spring.
- 4
Rural living
Many families here still live off the land.
- Phraselive off the land
get food or money from farming, hunting, or nature
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Air travel
The plane landed in Madrid just after midnight.
- 6
Landing place
The helicopter landed on the roof of the hospital.
- Grammar
land in a place, but land on a surface
- 7
Physical fall
I slipped on the ice and landed on my back.
- 8
Job search
She landed a job at a design studio after months of interviews.
- Phraseland a job
get a job, often after trying hard
- 9
Causing trouble
One careless email landed him in trouble with his boss.
- Patternland someone in trouble
cause problems for someone
- 10
Humor
His joke didn’t land, so the room went quiet.
- Phrasea joke lands
people understand it and react well
- 11
Decision making
After comparing several options, we landed on Friday for the meeting.
- Patternland on + option
finally choose it
- 12
Recovery
Even after losing his business, he managed to land on his feet.
- Phraseland on your feet
recover well after a difficult situation
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- landnounverb
Forms
- landing-ing formverbnoun
- landspluralnounverb
- landedpast tenseverbnoun