terra-cotta

noun

ter·​ra-cot·​ta ˌter-ə-ˈkä-tə How to pronounce terra-cotta (audio)
often attributive
1
: a glazed or unglazed fired clay used especially for statuettes and vases and architectural purposes (as for roofing, facing, and relief ornamentation)
also : something made of this material
2
: a brownish orange

Examples of terra-cotta in a Sentence

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.
Her aim was to reinvigorate Cyprus's crafts—reshaping earth red terra-cotta jugs into glazed tableware and sculptural vases, or placing Lefkara lace on linen separates and bags. Selina Denman, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026 Dalrymple also noted that people are eager to lean into organic materials such as clay, terra-cotta, reclaimed brick and wood, bluestone, cobblestone, and other natural elements for countertops, backsplashes, cabinetry, and flooring. Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026 The colors, ash and terra-cotta, seemed to radiate the dying heat of a planetary hearth. Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026 Keep it simple and elegant with topiary boxwoods in classic terra-cotta containers. Lauren Dunec Hoang, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terra-cotta

Word History

Etymology

Italian terra cotta, literally, baked earth

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terra-cotta was in 1722

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terra-cotta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terra-cotta. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

terra-cotta

noun
ter·​ra-cot·​ta
ˌter-ə-ˈkät-ə
plural terra-cottas
1
: a glazed or unglazed baked clay used for pottery, statues, and building materials
also : something made of this material
2
: a brownish orange
Etymology

from Italian terra cotta, literally "baked earth," derived from Latin terra "earth" and Latin coquere "to cook"

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