terra firma

American  

[ter-uh fur-muh] / ˈtɛr ə ˈfɜr mə /

noun

1. firm or solid earth; dry land (as opposed to water or air).

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terra firma British  

/ ˈfɜːmə /

noun

1. the solid earth; firm ground

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terra firma Cultural  

1. Dry land, as opposed to the sea: “After our stormy voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, we were relieved to set foot on terra firma.” From Latin, meaning “firm (or solid) ground.”

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Etymology

Origin of terra firma

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1595–1605

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

terra firma

But the fear was that it would happen in space, when you’re 180 miles from terra firma and the nearest fire station.

From Salon ● Feb. 9, 2025

That would only have been possible on terra firma, they say.

From Science Magazine ● Apr. 30, 2024

This is a miracle, a luxury of maritime technology that many of us who live at the edge of terra firma might, from daily familiarity, take for granted.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 12, 2024

“I’m a monster,” Ruby exclaims after a destructive mishap on terra firma, sending the needle on the viewer’s gauge for puberty metaphors flying into the red.

From New York Times ● Jun. 29, 2023

God Almighty, I’m glad I’m right here on old terra firma.

From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury