woodland
UK: ˈwʊdlənd | US: ˈwʊdlənd
n. An area of land covered with trees, smaller than a forest.
n. (Ecological context) A habitat dominated by woody vegetation.
The word "woodland" is a straightforward compound of Old English origins. "Wood" derives from Proto-Germanic *widuz, meaning "tree" or "forest," while "land" comes from Proto-Germanic *landą, meaning "ground" or "territory." The combination reflects a practical description of tree-covered terrain, retaining its literal meaning over time without significant semantic shift.
The cottage was nestled in a quiet woodland.
Deer are commonly spotted in this protected woodland.
The woodland ecosystem supports diverse bird species.
They went hiking through the dense woodland.
Ancient woodlands are vital for biodiversity conservation.