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 overlooks the terra-cotta rooftops of the medieval village and, beyond that, the coast toward Mount Etna. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

Use handmade clay or terra-cotta tiles in a Mediterranean-style or other warm climate house, and glass or porcelain squares in vibrant colors read more contemporary. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2026

The snout serves as a steam release, and the terra-cotta form ensures whatever is inside heats evenly. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025

The store was taking over the corner retail space of an 1888 brick warehouse with thick stone lintels and terra-cotta flourishes. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 12 Dec. 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"