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 exterior mixes handmade Petersen brick from Denmark with custom terra-cotta details—materials picked to blend right into Greenwich Village’s historic streets while giving the building its own look. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2026

Its finicky drainage needs are easier to manage in a pot, and lavender always looks fantastic in a large terra-cotta planter. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2026

In this iteration, the cylindrical bulk of Madison Square Garden acquires a certain classical nobility, wrapped in terra-cotta tiles that glitter through a corset of stone ribs. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026

One of the Algarve's most beautiful beaches, Praia da Falésia is known for its dramatic terra-cotta cliffs. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 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"