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
Gazing out the window on approach to Salt Lake City’s sprawling semi-new international transportation edifice, Lamar Skeeter ponders his trail mirroring the rugged terrain surrounding the area below.
—
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Winds could be almost strong enough to trigger a wind advisory from the National Weather Service, with gusts topping 40 mph, especially in the higher terrain of the Hill Country.
—Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
Accessibility Nimmo Bay welcomes wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility—cabins and public spaces are accessible with staff support—but full independence can be challenging given the remote setting's rustic boardwalks, floating docks, and uneven natural terrain.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
And while the priority should always be avoiding burial entirely—through training, terrain choices, and avalanche airbags—the SBX system offers a proven way to extend the survival window dramatically if the worst happens.
—Scott Yorko, Outside, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
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Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Winds could be almost strong enough to trigger a wind advisory from the National Weather Service, with gusts topping 40 mph, especially in the higher terrain of the Hill Country.
—Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
Accessibility Nimmo Bay welcomes wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility—cabins and public spaces are accessible with staff support—but full independence can be challenging given the remote setting's rustic boardwalks, floating docks, and uneven natural terrain.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
And while the priority should always be avoiding burial entirely—through training, terrain choices, and avalanche airbags—the SBX system offers a proven way to extend the survival window dramatically if the worst happens.
—Scott Yorko, Outside, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrain. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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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