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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

terra firma

Plants migrated from water to terra firma some 500 million years ago.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

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

Thus began a protracted process of draining lakes and waterways to transform the glittering island city into a European-like capital planted on terra firma.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 21, 2024

Stott and Enright said being exposed to the Overview Effect and Oceanview Effect tends to lead adventurers to take action once they return to terra firma.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 13, 2023

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

From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury

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