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

In the sitting category, athletes use a specialized monoski, a seat mounted on a single ski with a shock absorber that helps with riding on uneven terrain and making turns. —ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026

The group is preyed upon by not only the harsh terrain, beset by hunger and desperation, but are also stalked by something older and far more merciless than the desert itself. —Thinus Ferreira, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026

The bottom line Both CDs and money market accounts have considerable pros and cons to consider at all times, but especially so in the unique economic terrain of March 2026. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

The terrain is non-technical but rolling—much of it gravel or forest boardwalks—with cool, thin air at elevation. —Alexandra Gillespie, Outside, 6 Mar. 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