1
a(1)
: a geographic area
(2)
: a piece of land : ground
b
: the physical features of a tract of land
2
3
a
: a field of knowledge or interest
b
Examples of terrain in a Sentence
We had to drive over some rough terrain.
We hiked through a variety of terrains.
Recent Examples on the Web
Exposing only one person at a time to avalanche terrain is an accepted best practice for backcountry travel.
—
Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
Pilots learn to navigate using maps and compasses, as well as natural cues such as stars and terrain features including rivers, bridges and other landmarks to orient themselves and move toward friendly forces.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
The terrain made every flight a challenge.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
The team is now exploring ways to further optimize the model, including reducing computational load and improving adaptability across different terrains and mission types.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
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Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2026
Pilots learn to navigate using maps and compasses, as well as natural cues such as stars and terrain features including rivers, bridges and other landmarks to orient themselves and move toward friendly forces.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
The terrain made every flight a challenge.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
The team is now exploring ways to further optimize the model, including reducing computational load and improving adaptability across different terrains and mission types.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrain. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
terrain
noun
ter·rain
tə-ˈrān 
also te-
: the surface features of an area of land
rough terrain
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