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

Dalrymple also noted that people are eager to lean into organic materials such as clay, terra-cotta, reclaimed brick and wood, bluestone, cobblestone, and other natural elements for countertops, backsplashes, cabinetry, and flooring. —Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 12 Mar. 2026

The colors, ash and terra-cotta, seemed to radiate the dying heat of a planetary hearth. —Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026

Keep it simple and elegant with topiary boxwoods in classic terra-cotta containers. —Lauren Dunec Hoang, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026

The original gold terra-cotta dome and decorations of dolphins and cupids overlook Main Street. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 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"