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

There may only be a few thousand Pink Ladies across Britain, according to Minihane’s estimate, but the movement’s growth shows how issues championed by the hard right – once a predominantly male terrain – are now winning support from broader parts of the population. —Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025

Chunky outsoles are made slip-resistant with lugs that’ll keep you safe on slick city streets and uneven terrain, while rounded toe boxes offer ample room for your feet to sit comfortably. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025

The terrain also becomes a critical constituent that exists despite the turmoil prevalent around it. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025

The Seltos will offer front- or all-wheel drive and drive modes for varying types of driving, terrain and weather. —Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 11 Dec. 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