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
Walking trails are inspected to ensure the terrain, elevation change and distance are appropriate, and participants can focus on enjoying the outdoors, learning and socializing.
—
Anne Ferguson, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
The mountainous terrain is also known for being extremely difficult to navigate due to its sudden weather changes and high altitude.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 15 June 2025
This flight strategy might seem energetically costly, but constant flapping enables the geese to closely follow the contours of the terrain, taking advantage of wind patterns and potential drafting effects, according to research publish in Science.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
One year, while cycling the Eastern Shore of Maryland—what must be some of the flattest terrain in the U.S.—I was not so much exhausted by the mileage as the monotony of the days.
—Kathy Roberson, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrain
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Anne Ferguson, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
The mountainous terrain is also known for being extremely difficult to navigate due to its sudden weather changes and high altitude.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 15 June 2025
This flight strategy might seem energetically costly, but constant flapping enables the geese to closely follow the contours of the terrain, taking advantage of wind patterns and potential drafting effects, according to research publish in Science.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
One year, while cycling the Eastern Shore of Maryland—what must be some of the flattest terrain in the U.S.—I was not so much exhausted by the mileage as the monotony of the days.
—Kathy Roberson, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrain. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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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