terra firma

noun

ter·​ra fir·​ma ˌter-ə-ˈfər-mə How to pronounce terra firma (audio)
 also  -ˈfir-
: dry land : solid ground

Examples of terra firma in a Sentence

after that nightmarish storm, the sailors were grateful to reach terra firma
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Not being content with doing all of that on terra firma though, Godziek decided to up the difficulty factor by doing his thing atop a moving train. Michael Franco, New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2024 Then, as the Starliner free-falls through the air, a set of parachutes — which Boeing redesigned and tested as recently as January — must safely slow the capsule before the vehicle deploys airbags for a gentle touchdown on terra firma. Jackie Wattles, CNN, 6 Sep. 2024 If maximizing your time on terra firma is a priority, Polaris might not be the best choice for you. Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2024 While the rockets all soar more the 50 miles above Earth’s surface, the balloons reach what’s often referred to as the edge of space, somewhere around 20 miles above terra firma. J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for terra firma 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, solid land

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of terra firma was in 1638

Dictionary Entries Near terra firma

Cite this Entry

“Terra firma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terra%20firma. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

terra firma

noun
ter·​ra fir·​ma
-ˈfər-mə
: dry land : solid ground
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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