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

What unites them is Dern’s ability to find the humanity in characters navigating life’s most complicated terrain. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025

For instance, it is equipped with a four-wheel independent drive system, providing maximum mobility across complex and rugged terrain. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2025

But the ski area is just as impressive, with about 200 miles of ski terrain and perpetual snow. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025

More than half of the island is protected by national parks, with the Virgin Islands National Park covering nearly two-thirds of its terrain—an open invitation to hiking, beachcombing, and mindful exploration. —Essence, 7 Nov. 2025

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