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
Synonyms
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
After taking on the plastic, fantastic world of Barbie Land, producer Margot Robbie is heading to the rich terrain of Monopoly.
—
Variety, NBC News, 11 Apr. 2024
The terrain hasn’t proved any more inviting in April thus far, as regulatory investigations and judicial rulings continue to rock the asset class and its promoters back on their heels.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
In July, during the counter-offensive, he had been ordered to recapture similar terrain elsewhere on the front—and to do so immediately, without conducting proper reconnaissance or formulating a plan.
—Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
Artemis’s operations will be focused on the moon’s south pole, a region known for its rugged terrain, extreme temperatures and potential for frozen water.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2024
The film unveils the struggle of refugees navigating this treacherous terrain, where mines from the Balkan War lurk in the soil and political borders define lives.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
The shock-absorbing sneakers have a durable, high-traction outsole that’s great for a variety of terrains.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024
Combined, the contracts have a maximum potential value of $4.6 billion over 15 years for the development of what NASA calls lunar terrain vehicles.
—Christian Davenport, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024
The ride focuses on basic bike handling skills as well as climbing and descending rough terrain.
—Flip Putthoff, arkansasonline.com, 2 Apr. 2024
Variety, NBC News, 11 Apr. 2024
The terrain hasn’t proved any more inviting in April thus far, as regulatory investigations and judicial rulings continue to rock the asset class and its promoters back on their heels.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
In July, during the counter-offensive, he had been ordered to recapture similar terrain elsewhere on the front—and to do so immediately, without conducting proper reconnaissance or formulating a plan.
—Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
Artemis’s operations will be focused on the moon’s south pole, a region known for its rugged terrain, extreme temperatures and potential for frozen water.
—Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2024
The film unveils the struggle of refugees navigating this treacherous terrain, where mines from the Balkan War lurk in the soil and political borders define lives.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
The shock-absorbing sneakers have a durable, high-traction outsole that’s great for a variety of terrains.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 7 Apr. 2024
Combined, the contracts have a maximum potential value of $4.6 billion over 15 years for the development of what NASA calls lunar terrain vehicles.
—Christian Davenport, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024
The ride focuses on basic bike handling skills as well as climbing and descending rough terrain.
—Flip Putthoff, arkansasonline.com, 2 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'terrain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near terrain
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrain. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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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