terrain

noun

ter·​rain tə-ˈrān How to pronounce terrain (audio)
also te-
Synonyms of terrain
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

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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.
Those conditions, as well as heavy rains and mountainous terrain, made access even by air difficult at times. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 Additionally, its Vibram Megagrip outsole is made with deep grooves that adapt to different terrain to offer customized support. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2026 This rainfall may produce flash flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026 Joined by Visma-Lease a Bike teammates Bruno Armirail and Matthew Brennan, the latter having already won three stages at this Vuelta, Van Aert made the decisive move over rolling terrain with three kilometres remaining. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 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

Phrases Containing terrain

Rhymes for terrain

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Browse Nearby Words

terraform
terrain
terra incognita
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrain. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about terrain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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