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

• area
• arena
• bailiwick
• barony
• business
• circle
• demesne
• department
• discipline
• domain
• element
• fief
• fiefdom
• field
• firmament
• front
• game
• kingdom
• line
• precinct
• province
• realm
• specialty
• sphere
• walk

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

If Fox’s financial modeling supports acquiring terrain in Florida for the Big Ten Network, would ESPN attempt to block the move and fund the Seminoles’ entry into the SEC? —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 17 July 2024

Due to the jagged terrain, safety officials used a helicopter to airlift the bodies out of the park and to the state medical examiner on Saturday morning, according to the sheriff's office. —CBS News, 16 July 2024

The tougher the terrain and the weather conditions, the higher the odds that tactics and strategy can beat pure speed. —Erin Strout, SELF, 16 July 2024

The first thing to greet prospective buyers is the impressive monument entrance, which leads to a stunning community spanning over 500 acres, and set amidst luscious, wooded terrain and ample prairies. —Weichert Realtors® Welch & Company, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2024

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

Kids Definition

terrain

noun

ter·​rain tə-ˈrān 

 also  te-

: the surface features of an area of land

rough terrain