terrain

noun

ter·​rain tə-ˈrān 

 also  te-

1

a(1)

: a geographic area

(2)

: a piece of land : ground

b

: the physical features of a tract of land

2

: terrane sense 1

3

a

: a field of knowledge or interest

b

: environment, milieu

Synonyms

• area
• arena
• bailiwick
• barony
• business
• circle
• demesne
• department
• discipline
• domain
• element
• fief
• fiefdom
• field
• firmament
• front
• game
• kingdom
• line
• precinct
• province
• realm
• specialty
• sphere
• walk

Examples of terrain in a Sentence

We had to drive over some rough terrain.

We hiked through a variety of terrains.

Recent Examples on the Web

The territory consists of dense rainforest and mountainous terrain that stretches from the Caribbean coast almost across the country to the Pacific Ocean. —Adam Williams, NPR, 11 Jan. 2025

The challenging terrain and persistent winds complicate suppression activities. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

Snow safety personnel, who are also in the union, ski in avalanche terrain and throw explosives to trigger avalanches to ensure guest safety. —David Goodman, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Ravenel’s research into the dynamics of ice and terrain at high altitudes is abetted by his climbing skills. —Paul Hockenos, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, land, ground, from Old French terrein, from Vulgar Latin *terranum, alteration of Latin terrenum, from neuter of terrenus of earth — more at terrene

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing terrain

• all-terrain vehicle

Kids Definition

terrain

noun

ter·​rain tə-ˈrān 

 also  te-

: the surface features of an area of land

rough terrain