heartland

noun

heart·​land ˈhärt-ˌland How to pronounce heartland (audio)
: a central area: such as
a
: a central land area (such as northern Eurasia) having strategic advantages
b
: the central geographical region of the U.S. in which mainstream or traditional values predominate
c
: a region where something (such as an industry or activity) most strongly thrives
the heartland of high technology

Examples of heartland in a Sentence

We drove into Scotland's heartland. a politician who is popular in the American heartland the heartland of high technology
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are also plenty of World Cup fans in the heartland. — Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026 You guys always trying to draw a distinction between the real America of the heartland and the elites in the big city. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2026 Let’s start though in Chianti Classico, the traditional heartland of Tuscan winemaking. — Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Nearby Cincinnati, where Vance was confirmed at a Dominican priory, is a case in point and a window into Catholicism’s history in the American heartland. — Matthew Smith, The Conversation, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartland

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartland was in 1903

Rhymes for heartland

See All Rhymes for heartland

Browse Nearby Words

heart is in the right place
heartland
heartleaf
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heartland.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartland. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

heartland

noun
heart·​land ˈhärt-ˌland How to pronounce heartland (audio)
: a central land area
especially : one of great economic and military importance

More from Merriam-Webster on heartland

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heartland

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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