terra-cotta

noun

ter·​ra-cot·​ta ˌter-ə-ˈkä-tə 

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

Because of their porous texture, terra-cotta pots are prone to absorbing moisture, and if the water freezes, the pots can crack and break. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025

The design is restrained and richly textured: the 100 rooms and suites are outfitted with Murano chandeliers; cream, gold, and terra-cotta tones; and grass cloth lining the walls. —Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025

For more muted color palettes, the same style is available in more universally flattering hues like white and grey, as well as punchier navy and terra-cotta. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 13 Aug. 2025

There are French doors that lead to a balcony, terra-cotta floors, and a two-burner stove beneath custom cupboards. —Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian terra cotta, literally, baked earth

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for terra-cotta

• biota
• iota
• lakota
• nonquota
• ricotta
• chota
• cota
• quota

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"