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

Sourced from regions as far-flung as Madagascar and Asia, centella asiatica—also known as Tiger Grass, Gotu Kola, or Cica—thrives in swampy terrain and shaded, moisture-rich forests. —Alice Abbiadati, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026

The heavy rains will likely trigger rockslides, mudslides and debris flows in steep terrain, especially in and around these areas. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Jan. 2026

Drivers here share the road with golf carts and bicycles, which are also available for rent (but more challenging for navigating the hilly terrain in the center of Vieques). —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2026

Sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph are expected, with occasional gusts up to 50 mph along the coast and the higher terrain during the storm. —Tim Fang, CBS News, 2 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