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
• 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

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

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