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
Your Immediate Environment This is the terrain directly around you—your team, department and closest colleagues.
—
John Pierce, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Adam lives in a small town in the French-speaking province, a terrain that’s relatively picturesque although the main road snakes through an area that’s clearly seen some serious industrial abuse, leaving the ground devoid of all plant life.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025
This 30-mile lakeside corridor along U.S. 131 near Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, features dynamic terrain, deep woods, and freshwater byways in every inland direction.
—Outside Online, 19 May 2025
All three stages were competitive, with Albania’s rolling terrain leaving it uncertain whether stages would be won in bunch sprints, reduced sprints, or even by puncheurs in breakaways.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrain
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John Pierce, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Adam lives in a small town in the French-speaking province, a terrain that’s relatively picturesque although the main road snakes through an area that’s clearly seen some serious industrial abuse, leaving the ground devoid of all plant life.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025
This 30-mile lakeside corridor along U.S. 131 near Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, features dynamic terrain, deep woods, and freshwater byways in every inland direction.
—Outside Online, 19 May 2025
All three stages were competitive, with Albania’s rolling terrain leaving it uncertain whether stages would be won in bunch sprints, reduced sprints, or even by puncheurs in breakaways.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrain. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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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