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 hotel is filled with a warm, honey glow thanks to its dark-wood detailing, caramel leather furnishings, marble accents, and terra-cotta flooring with specks of silver, gold, and rose stones. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025

The terra-cotta and small floral motif couldn’t look more suited to outdoor dining in a lemon grove. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 12 Apr. 2025

The sunset colors of the house’s terra-cotta facade are as striking and ornate as ever. —Thao Thai, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025

The antique-style floors are made of terra-cotta Santa Catarina tiles—heated underneath in some places—laid in a labor-intensive technique that’s becoming increasingly rare. —Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 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"