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

By conventional standards, much of this terrain would be considered difficult for agriculture. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

While Colorado downhill ski resorts continue to grapple with abnormally low snowfall and limited terrain offerings, the state’s cross country ski operations are struggling as well. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 23 Jan. 2026

Even in rough terrain, the shell and tongue didn’t beat my shins to a pulp. —Jenny Wiegand, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026

The forecast calls for around 1 to 2 inches near Flagstaff, with higher amounts possible in surrounding terrain including the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains. —Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 23 Jan. 2026

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