land
UK: lænd | US: lænd
n. the solid part of the earth's surface not covered by water
n. a country or region
vt. to come or bring to the ground from the air or water
vi. to arrive at a destination (especially by ship or aircraft)
The word "land" traces back to Proto-Germanic *landą, meaning "ground" or "soil," and is shared across Germanic languages (e.g., Old English "land," Old Norse "land," German "Land"). It originally referred to the solid, habitable earth as opposed to water or air. Over time, its meaning expanded to include territories, nations, and even the act of disembarking (e.g., "to land a plane"). The simplicity of its form reflects its ancient, foundational role in human language.
The farmers worked hard to cultivate the land.
She traveled to a distant land to study its culture.
The pilot managed to land the plane safely in heavy fog.
Birds often land on the rooftop of our house.
After months at sea, the sailors were eager to land.