terrain

noun

ter·​rain tə-ˈrān 

also te-

1

a(1)

: a geographic area

(2)

: a piece of land : ground

b

: the physical features of a tract of land

2

: terrane sense 1

3

a

: a field of knowledge or interest

b

: environment, milieu

Synonyms of terrain

• area
• realm
• element
• field
• domain
• walk
• department
• sphere
• kingdom

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

Climb to the fortified Terra Murata for panoramic water views, then explore the flat terrain by scooter or bike (rentals are available from Sprint near the port). —Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026

Accessibility There are accessible rooms available, but getting to all parts of the resort and the beach might be difficult for wheelchair users and others who would have trouble with uneven terrain. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026

San José, the Costa Rican capital, in all its throughways and recreation spots, transforms into an emotional terrain through which all the existential torpor and dislocation reverberate. —Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 16 May 2026

Set across highly fertile volcanic terrain, the estate includes an organic orchard, vineyard, fruit trees and a working coffee plantation. —Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, land, ground, from Old French terrein, from Vulgar Latin *terranum, alteration of Latin terrenum, from neuter of terrenus of earth — more at terrene

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing terrain

• all-terrain vehicle

Rhymes for terrain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids Definition

terrain

noun

ter·​rain tə-ˈrān 

also te-

: the surface features of an area of land

rough terrain