terrain

noun

ter·​rain tə-ˈrān How to pronounce terrain (audio)
 also  te-
1
a(1)
: a geographic area
(2)
: a piece of land : ground
b
: the physical features of a tract of land
2
3
a
: a field of knowledge or interest

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The cameras will provide detailed views of the terrain. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 12 May 2025 Walkability and bike lanes Smith said North Kansas City has so much potential with its relatively flat terrain, especially compared to other hillier parts of the metro. Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025 Supporters praise his calm demeanor, intellectual rigor, and ability to navigate complex political terrain, often describing him as a stabilizing force in the Vatican. Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 That would be in stark contrast to MSR’s more methodical approach, which is designed to deliver many samples sourced from a wide range of terrain and carefully curated to be of maximal scientific value—that is, material thought most likely to harbor evidence of past or even present Mars life. Leonard David, Scientific American, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for terrain

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)

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrain was in 1766

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrain. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

terrain

noun
ter·​rain tə-ˈrān How to pronounce terrain (audio)
 also  te-
: the surface features of an area of land
rough terrain

More from Merriam-Webster on terrain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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