terrain

noun

ter·​rain tə-ˈrān 

 also  te-

1

a(1)

: a geographic area

(2)

: a piece of land : ground

b

: the physical features of a tract of land

2

: terrane sense 1

3

a

: a field of knowledge or interest

b

: environment, milieu

Synonyms

• area
• arena
• bailiwick
• barony
• business
• circle
• demesne
• department
• discipline
• domain
• element
• fief
• fiefdom
• field
• firmament
• front
• game
• kingdom
• line
• precinct
• province
• realm
• specialty
• sphere
• walk

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

The rugged terrain attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, including skiers, hikers, golfers, mountain bikers, and leaf peepers. —Christine Chitnis, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2024

Also, Norvell should make the most of quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who knows the ACC terrain well from his up-and-down days at Clemson. —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 3 June 2024

The sleeping set up for campers in a tent will generally require three items, a sleeping pad, to soften the terrain, a sleeping bag for warmth and protection and a pillow. —Mason Leib, ABC News, 3 June 2024

Overall, the design is solid enough for school but works for other occasions, both casual and dressy, regardless of terrain, thanks to its durability and noticeably high quality. —Katrina Cossey, Parents, 30 May 2024

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)

Phrases Containing terrain

• all-terrain vehicle

Kids Definition

terrain

noun

ter·​rain tə-ˈrān 

 also  te-

: the surface features of an area of land

rough terrain