terracotta

American  

[ter-uh-kot-uh] / ˈtɛr əˈkɒt ə /

Or terra-cotta terra cotta

noun

1. a hard, fired clay, brownish-red in color when unglazed, that is used for architectural ornaments and facings, structural units, pottery, and as a material for sculpture.

2. something made of terracotta.

3. a brownish-orange color like that of unglazed terracotta.

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adjective

1. made of or having the color of terracotta.

terracotta British  

/ ˌtɛrəˈkɒtə /

noun

1. a hard unglazed brownish-red earthenware, or the clay from which it is made

2. something made of terracotta, such as a sculpture

3. a strong reddish-brown to brownish-orange colour

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adjective

1. made of terracotta

   a terracotta urn

2. of the colour terracotta

   a terracotta carpet

Etymology

Origin of terracotta

First recorded in 1715–25; from Italian: literally, “baked earth, cooked earth,” from Latin terra cocta; thirsty, cook ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The center would be a neighbor to Camarillo’s house in Victoria Ranch, a family-friendly area with beige stucco homes topped with terracotta tile roofs.

From Los Angeles Times

While very little studied, the Nok period is well known for its distinctive and refined terracotta sculptures.

From Barron's

Italian brand Zegna paired structured jackets with loose-fitting trousers in natural tones of green and terracotta, while Tod's showcased leather jackets lined with cashmere.

From Barron's

Earlier on Friday, designer Alessandro Sartori invited buyers and journalists into Zegna's personal wardrobe, with structured jackets paired with flowing trousers in natural green and terracotta, and innovative fabrics.

From Barron's

Many of those early graves, marked by propped up terracotta roof tiles, are visible outside the basilica today.

From The Wall Street Journal