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

Her modern, organic approach leans into nature’s nuances, from seafoam greens to terra-cotta reds. —Eleni N. Gage, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025

During construction the building started to reveal its secrets: the architects discovered a sliver of the original terra-cotta color hidden behind a false wall in the attic. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 13 May 2025

The exterior is divided into three horizontal sections: one from stone, then brick, and finally a terra-cotta frieze. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2025

Inspired by falling terra-cotta roof tiles, Jackie Castillo created a multimedia installation for ICA with the help of her father. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025

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"