terra-cotta

noun

ter·​ra-cot·​ta ˌter-ə-ˈkä-tə How to pronounce terra-cotta (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This particular example features a 38 mm case in stainless steel, a striking terra-cotta–colored dial, and a steel bracelet with beautifully rounded links. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 July 2025 Taking cues from the frescoes that adorn the ceilings of the 15th-century convent, the celebrated French interior designer, known for his work in luxury hospitality, opted for a similar color palette achieved through natural pigments aged by time, such as terra-cotta and celestial gray-blue shades. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 2 July 2025 My room—a villa, really—features the hotel-wide color scheme of white, terra-cotta, and green, with distinctive majolica plates adorning the wall and ceramic lamps from the nearby town of Grottaglie. Nick Thompson, Air Mail, 28 June 2025 The five rooms have terra-cotta or hardwood floors, exposed beams, and antique furniture. Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for terra-cotta

Word History

Etymology

Italian terra cotta, literally, baked earth

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terra-cotta was in 1722

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terra-cotta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terra-cotta. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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"

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