terrain

noun

ter·​rain tə-ˈrān How to pronounce terrain (audio)
 also  te-
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its open, hilly terrain has one of the highest densities of tigers on the subcontinent. Marion Miller, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2025 This rainfall brings a risk of flash flooding, especially in areas of steep terrain. Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025 Having the race apparently this close means that Democrats once again must fight to hold terrain that ought to be safe for them. Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Let’s Play Ball follows two rival teams of comedians go head-to-head in a race to transport a gigantic ball across various terrains. Peter White, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terrain

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)

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrain was in 1766

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrain. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

terrain

noun
ter·​rain tə-ˈrān How to pronounce terrain (audio)
 also  te-
: the surface features of an area of land
rough terrain

More from Merriam-Webster on terrain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!