terrain

noun

ter·​rain tə-ˈrān How to pronounce terrain (audio)
 also  te-
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

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
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.
Officials believe the Palisades fire was first detected around 10:30 a.m. Jan. 7 as high winds sent flames racing over the bone-dry terrain. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025 Consider the shoes Photo: Getty Images A dressy beach shoe is certainly a tricky sartorial challenge, given you will likely be walking on sandy terrain. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025 There’s none of the impulsive lightness of handheld camerawork; even in fervent motion, the film’s images feel tethered to the ground, deeply rooted in terrain and locale, in physical and intimate histories. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 The generous cushion offers a bouncy feel that will propel you forward during your adventures, plus a lug sole that provides traction on uneven terrain. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terrain

Word History

Etymology

French, land, ground, from Old French terrein, from Vulgar Latin *terranum, alteration of Latin terrenum, from neuter of terrenus of earth — more at terrene

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrain was in 1766

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrain. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

terrain

noun
ter·​rain tə-ˈrān How to pronounce terrain (audio)
 also  te-
: the surface features of an area of land
rough terrain

More from Merriam-Webster on terrain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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