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

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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

Even the private dining room, which can expand to 24 seats with a patio on University Avenue, is unique, with a state-of-the-art glass terrarium-style floor over a desertscape of sand, moss, rocks, and other natural elements. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

Samaa is a beautiful all-day diner filled with vases of bui (desert cotton), willow wood lamps from Kashmir, Channapatna toys, and exquisitely layered terrariums created from leftover construction material. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Choose terrarium plants that thrive in low sunlight, like ferns, certain succulents, and mosses. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026

The Collector's Edition includes the full game as well as goodies like a terrarium diorama, a steelbook case, a few patches, and a replica of Snake's ID card lanyard. —George Yang, PC Magazine, 15 Apr. 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
• solarium

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