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

Viewers on Instagram have flooded the comments section with their awe at the small-sized dog's endurance and determination to keep up with his owners in difficult terrain. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Paddle through the striking cliffs of Nitmiluk Gorge or explore the untouched terrain of Jatbula and Larapinta Trails. —Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Nearby, on the back side of the Wasatch Range, Park City Mountain also had a limited amount of skiable terrain, but the resort was working to get more open. —Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024

The terrain in and near the park can be challenging in winter — serious ice climbers and winter hikers flock here for the steep cliffs and technical ascents — but plenty of local guides are ready to help less experienced adventurers. —Sarah Cahalan, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2024

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