terrarium

noun

ter·​rar·​i·​um tə-ˈrer-ē-əm 

plural terraria tə-ˈrer-ē-ə  or terrariums

: a usually transparent enclosure for keeping or raising plants or usually small animals (such as turtles) indoors

Did you know?

A Terrarium at the Zoo

The turtle exhibit at a zoo is often in the form of a terrarium, as are some of the exhibits at a plant conservatory. In an ant terrarium, elementary-school students watch the ants dig their network of tunnels as if no one were watching. Terrariums try to create conditions as close as possible to a natural habitat. A covered terrarium can often sustain itself for months on the moisture trapped inside. But creating a good terrarium requires careful control not only of humidity but also of temperature, as well as good ventilation; the lighting should include the full spectrum of sunlight as well as a day-night regulator.

Examples of terrarium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There is something quietly intimate about building a terrarium or candle together. — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Being green Milpitas Library patrons can learn how to compost and create terrariums on July 18. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 12 July 2026

Sign up for one of its DIY Craft Studio sessions to create your own custom terrarium, plushie, bracelet, or hat. — Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

The transformations are meant to render the pavilion into a building-sized Wardian case, a Victorian-era terrarium used to transport foreign plants across the British Empire. — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 6 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin terra + -arium (as in vivarium)

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for terrarium

• thorium
• fusarium

Kids Definition

terrarium

noun

ter·​rar·​i·​um tə-ˈrar-ē-əm 

-ˈrer-

plural terraria

-ē-ə

or terrariums

: a transparent enclosure used for keeping and observing small animals and plants indoors