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

The Palm Springs compound is, at least in listing photos, done in a kind of old-California glamour, with richly colored polished woods, terra-cotta floors, and deep-red accents. — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 16 Sep. 2026

The majority of Da•Di Rosso (red) ferments in Tuscan terra-cotta amphorae and remains in contact with the skins for approximately three months. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2026

Inspired by the surrounding landscape and Sicily’s distinctive aesthetic, the generously sized 72 meter squared Grand suite comes alive in a palette of ocean blue, deep green, juicy orange, washed terra-cotta, and sophisticated eggshell red. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026

Unglazed terra-cotta pots dry soil faster, which suits drought-lovers like rosemary but not moisture-lovers like basil. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2026

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"