Swale - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A swale is a shallow, grassy depression in the land, often designed to channel or absorb rainwater. It helps manage runoff and supports natural drainage in landscapes.
Definition:
A low-lying or marshy area of land, often damp and grassy.
Synonyms:
marsh, bog, fen, wetland
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
hill, mound
Common Collocations:
grassy swale, shallow swale, drainage swale
Derivatives:
swales (plural), swaley (adjective)
Usage Tips:
Use "swale" to describe a natural depression in the ground that collects water or supports wetland plants.
Common Phrases:
dry swale, stormwater swale, vegetated swale
Etymology:
Originates from Old English "swǣlan," meaning to burn or scorch, later evolving to describe sunken land.
Examples:
- 1. The rain formed a small swale in the field.
- 2. We planted reeds in the swale to prevent erosion.
- 3. The hikers avoided the muddy swale near the trail.
- 4. A shallow swale helps direct water away from the road.