terrain

[tuh-reyn]

noun

1. a tract of land, especially as considered with reference to its natural features, military advantages, etc.

2. Geology.,  terrane.

terrain

/ təˈreɪn, ˈtɛreɪn /

noun

1. ground or a piece of ground, esp with reference to its physical character or military potential

   radio reception can be difficult in mountainous terrain

   a rocky terrain

2. a variant spelling of terrane

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrain¹

1720–30; < French ≪ Vulgar Latin *terrānum, noun use of neuter of *terrānus of land. See terra, -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrain¹

C18: from French, ultimately from Latin terrēnum ground, from terra earth

Example Sentences

The Inca Road provided a network that linked up an empire across rugged terrain.

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Instead there’s a Rowdy Big Two, blazing fresh terrain.

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Now it’s Alcaraz who has closed the gap, on Sinner’s friendliest terrain.

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America represented fresh scientific terrain and unfettered possibility.

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In the foreground, an indigenous woman carrying a baby in her arms and a basket on her back, accompanied by a young boy and his dogs, traverses the rocky terrain.

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Related Words

• area 
• contour 
• field 
• ground 
• land 
• province 
• region 
• soil 
• territory 
• topography 
• turf