swamp

A swamp is an area covered with water and plants like mosses and cattails. It's often found near rivers or lakes.

When people talk about swamps, they usually think of big, muddy areas that are hard to walk through. You might imagine a murky lake in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by tall trees and lots of slimy plants. Sometimes swamps can be home to animals like alligators, frogs, and snakes. In some parts of the world, especially in the southern United States, swamps are actually considered special ecosystems that help keep water clean and provide food for wildlife.