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

Nestled on a quiet hillside cul-de-sac, the structure sports curved terra-cotta roof tiles and a blue-gray paint job on its stucco exterior. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 21 Feb. 2025

From the surrounding hills, its red-tinged peak appears to hover above a sea of terra-cotta rooftops. —Kin Woo Gisela Williams Amy Conway Kate Maxwell, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

Highlights of the digs include its terra-cotta and oak parquet flooring, in addition to its five fireplaces, two stately staircases, library, and elevator. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2025

The city’s terra-cotta rooftops and winding alleyways feel lifted from the pages of the play. —Becca Blond, AFAR Media, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian terra cotta, literally, baked earth

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for terra-cotta

• biota
• iota
• lakota
• nonquota
• ricotta
• chota
• cota
• quota

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"