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 of terrain

• area
• realm
• element
• field
• domain
• walk
• department
• sphere
• kingdom

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

It's made with deep five-millimeter lugs that are seriously grippy on all kinds of terrain from mud to rocks, and its special midsole absorbs a ton of impact to keep your feet pain-free and without fatigue for as long as possible. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026

The letter-like shape marks where sunlight glances off the rim of the Ukart crater, along with other pieces of broken terrain and small impact sites. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 23 May 2026

The heavy rains will likely trigger rockslides, mudslides and debris flows in steep terrain, especially in and around these areas. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2026

This also allows the turret to turn 360° and fire at any angle of elevation, even on sloping terrain. —David Szondy may 23, New Atlas, 23 May 2026

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

Rhymes for terrain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids Definition

terrain

noun

ter·​rain tə-ˈrān 

also te-

: the surface features of an area of land

rough terrain