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

Courtesy the artist and MARCH, New York City Cascading Roses (parian body, copper, and terra-cotta) and Tulip Stems (soft-paste porcelain, glazes, overglaze, and copper), sculptures by Vladimir Kanevsky, whose work is on view at the Frick Collection, in New York City. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 21 June 2025

Those same contemporary ideals and earthy hues of terra-cotta and stone extend into JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa’s 160 rooms, suites, and villas—many of which come equipped with their own private pools and terraces for your own private relaxation. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 17 June 2025

Found predominantly in California and down in Miami, these sizable, elegant houses have long been desired for their terra-cotta shingles, stucco, and plenty of exterior archways beckoning you inside. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2025

As for colors: Shades of sand, terra-cotta, off-white, or even soft metallics like pale gold are current favorites. —René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 11 June 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"