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.
Wildfires have never burned as much French terrain in a year, none bigger than the one that incinerated much of Le Porge. — Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Traveling this way often becomes a collaborative experience, with guests, drivers, and guides working together to navigate challenging terrain and adapt to changing conditions along the way. — Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026 Because of the challenging terrain, the bridges are designed to be constructed without heavy machinery. — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026 The natural terrain, coastal winds and exposed landscape create a distinctly links-like experience unlike anything else in Portugal. — Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for terrain

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 1 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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