What is moor? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of moor

moornoun

neo đậu

/mɔː(r)//mʊr/

Where does the word moor come from?

The word "moor" originates from the Old English "mōr," which came from the Celtic "mur" meaning "bog, marsh." This terminology evolved over time to refer to the barren, desolate uplands of northern England and parts of Scotland and Wales. These areas, known as moors, were once covered in peat bogs and were uninhabitable due to the poor soil quality and lack of vegetation. However, over time, people began to settle and farm these areas, building dry-stone walls to enclose their livestock and improve the land. Today, the word "moor" is used to describe these expansive areas covered in heather, sporting rugged landscapes and wildlife such as red grouse, golden plovers, and if you're lucky, mountain hare or rare species like the hen harrier or short-eared owl. Its etymology may have seemed to have little to offer centuries ago, but history reveals that the origin of "moor" is integral to the culture and heritage of the people living there today.

Vocabulary summary moor

typenoun

meaningMoor ghosts

meaningwilderness

typetransitive verb

meaning(nautical) tie, tie (ship, boat); anchor

Example of vocabulary moornamespace

meaning

a high open area of land that is not used for farming, especially an area covered with rough grass and heather

  • the North York moors
  • We went for a walk on the moors.
  • The hiker traversed the barren and windswept moor, the grasses rustling beneath her boots.
  • The moors stretched out before him like a wilderness untouched by humanity.
  • The damp moorland air permeated his lungs, leaving him feeling invigorated yet melancholic.
meaning

land that consists of moors

  • moor and rough grassland

Synonyms and related words for moor


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