1
a(1)
: a geographic area
(2)
: a piece of land : ground
b
: the physical features of a tract of land
2
3
a
: a field of knowledge or interest
b
Examples of terrain in a Sentence
We had to drive over some rough terrain.
We hiked through a variety of terrains.
Recent Examples on the Web
And because the state is naturally scenic with varied terrain from one area to the next, driving between these sights ends up being a journey in and of itself.
—
Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
The Suncoast encompasses about 150 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, and this stretch of shore offers unmatched terrain, with crystal waters as aqua blue and bright as a chlorinated pool, sand as soft as powdered sugar, and almost constant sunshine.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
Lunar Outpost, headquartered in Golden, was awarded a $220 million contract to build a lunar terrain vehicle that will transport astronauts across the moon's surface, potentially as early as 2028.
—Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Rescuers had to use a complex long-line helicopter extraction to save the survivor from a basin at 17,200 feet, as brutal weather conditions and rugged terrain prevented a standard landing.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
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Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
The Suncoast encompasses about 150 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, and this stretch of shore offers unmatched terrain, with crystal waters as aqua blue and bright as a chlorinated pool, sand as soft as powdered sugar, and almost constant sunshine.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
Lunar Outpost, headquartered in Golden, was awarded a $220 million contract to build a lunar terrain vehicle that will transport astronauts across the moon's surface, potentially as early as 2028.
—Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Rescuers had to use a complex long-line helicopter extraction to save the survivor from a basin at 17,200 feet, as brutal weather conditions and rugged terrain prevented a standard landing.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrain. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
terrain
noun
ter·rain
tə-ˈrān 
also te-
: the surface features of an area of land
rough terrain
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