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.
From crisp white subway to earthy terra-cotta, the right paint color can enhance your tile’s natural beauty and create a cohesive look. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025 This particular example features a 38 mm case in stainless steel, a striking terra-cotta–colored dial, and a steel bracelet with beautifully rounded links. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 July 2025 Taking cues from the frescoes that adorn the ceilings of the 15th-century convent, the celebrated French interior designer, known for his work in luxury hospitality, opted for a similar color palette achieved through natural pigments aged by time, such as terra-cotta and celestial gray-blue shades. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 2 July 2025 My room—a villa, really—features the hotel-wide color scheme of white, terra-cotta, and green, with distinctive majolica plates adorning the wall and ceramic lamps from the nearby town of Grottaglie. Nick Thompson, Air Mail, 28 June 2025 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 5 Aug. 2025.

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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