terrazzo

American  

[tuh-raz-oh, -rah-zoh, -rah-tsoh, ter-raht-tsaw] / təˈræz oʊ, -ˈrɑ zoʊ, -ˈrɑ tsoʊ, tɛrˈrɑt tsɔ /

noun

1. a mosaic flooring or paving composed of chips of broken stone, usually marble, and cement, polished when in place.

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terrazzo British  

/ tɛˈrætsəʊ /

noun

1. a floor or wall finish made by setting marble or other stone chips into a layer of mortar and polishing the surface

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Etymology

Origin of terrazzo

1895–1900; < Italian: balcony, terraced or flat roof < Vulgar Latin *terrāceus, derivative of Latin terra ground

Example Sentences

“Enter through a private courtyard into high ceilings infused with natural light, walls of glass and polished terrazzo floors,” the description continues.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 23, 2026

It rises in five mighty flights, tier upon tier, of precast concrete faced with terrazzo.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

Finished off with a multi-tonal terrazzo, or traditional Italian tiles, the store is inspired by the house’s regional roots.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

Everywhere you turn, there are thoughtful touches, curated art and the familiar Lisbon pastel and terrazzo colorways.

From Salon • Oct. 23, 2024

The orange slipped from her hand, or perhaps she dropped it, because she left it there on the terrazzo floor of the veranda.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie