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

Large terrariums, special heating and lighting equipment, specific substrates and cage decor can add up quickly. —Samantha Winegarner, Mercury News, 8 July 2025

Add-ons include a taxidermy class, diorama terrarium workshop, and an owl pellet dissection class. —Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 10 Jan. 2012

For a small terrarium with three plants on her desk in her windowless office, Tuttle outfits an adjustable desk lamp with an LED bulb and places it 6 to 12 inches from the plants. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025

Mon Mothma has to sit in a terrarium with everybody watching her every minute all the time. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 13 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for terrarium

• fusarium
• solarium
• thorium

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