terrarium
Americannoun
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a vivarium for land animals (distinguished from aquarium).
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a glass container, chiefly or wholly enclosed, for growing and displaying plants.
noun
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an enclosure for keeping small land animals
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a glass container, often a globe, in which plants are grown
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of terrarium
Compare meaning
How does terrarium compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
A terrarium is an enclosed, indoor garden, usually small and made of glass so that you can see your collection of plants. Most often, a terrarium is about the size of a home aquarium, and the two are often made of the same materials. Instead of keeping exotic fish, however, the owner of a terrarium keeps interesting plants and occasionally reptiles like turtles or lizards. The word terrarium was first used in the late 1800s, and it came from the word aquarium — substituting terre (meaning "land") for aqua (meaning "water").
Vocabulary lists containing terrarium
Elements of the Universe: Terr, Terra ("Earth")
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"Sisters" by Raina Telgemeier
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One of Us Is Lying
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Jim and I cut both songs in Minneapolis at Terrarium Studios,” Setzer said in a statement posted to the site.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2025
Inside Retreat Botanicals make your own terrarium or planter at the Terrarium Bar, using the shop’s materials.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2021
At the nearby Art Terrarium, sidle up to the potting bar to make your own succulent garden.
From Washington Post • Aug. 14, 2019
Architectural elements from Gensler set the tone, as do limestone countertops from Stone Source, a subway-tile backsplash from Nemo Tile, globe-shaped Lindsey Adelman Studio Terrarium lights, and walnut credenzas by BDDW.
From Architectural Digest • Feb. 24, 2015
SAT-SUN Terrarium workshop for kids ages 7 and older, materials provided, 10 a.m.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 11, 2013
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
