terra-cotta

noun

ter·​ra-cot·​ta ˌter-ə-ˈkä-tə 

often attributive

1

: a glazed or unglazed fired clay used especially for statuettes and vases and architectural purposes (as for roofing, facing, and relief ornamentation)

also : something made of this material

2

: a brownish orange

Examples of terra-cotta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Slater’s mansion is terra-cotta red, which in cinematic color theory signals danger and lust; the snakes on the island are yellow, for sickness and deceit. —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024

Other brands have made 2025 choices, including Cinnamon Slate (Benjamin Moore), Purple Basil (Glidden Paint), Mapped Blue (Dutch Boy Paints) and Caramelized, a terra-cotta shade announced by Dunn-Edwards Paints. —R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

The color adapts to the weather as the terra-cotta shifts from pale gray to dark brown depending on cloud cover and time of day. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 Dec. 2024

Each section of the building’s exterior is paired with a layer of terra-cotta pilasters that don both the east and west façades of the tower, giving it a glamorous aged feel without overdoing it. —Jessica Cherner, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian terra cotta, literally, baked earth

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

terra-cotta

noun

ter·​ra-cot·​ta

ˌter-ə-ˈkät-ə

plural terra-cottas

1

: a glazed or unglazed baked clay used for pottery, statues, and building materials

also : something made of this material

2

: a brownish orange

Etymology

from Italian terra cotta, literally "baked earth," derived from Latin terra "earth" and Latin coquere "to cook"