1
a(1)
: a geographic area
(2)
: a piece of land : ground
b
: the physical features of a tract of land
2
3
a
: a field of knowledge or interest
b
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
Flash floods often occur in terrain with steep, narrow valleys that drain into rivers where the water is confined in natural and man-made channels and has nowhere else to go.
—
John Seabrook, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
One of the longest hikes the team completed was 50 miles in three days in Iceland, which included 25 miles of terrain in one day, says Guledjian.
—Brit Morse, Fortune, 19 July 2025
The Himalayas are beautiful and unlike any other piece of terrain on Earth.
—New Atlas, 18 July 2025
The Mid style is specifically well-suited for day hikers who may encounter loose rocks, wet weather, or muddy terrain.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
John Seabrook, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
One of the longest hikes the team completed was 50 miles in three days in Iceland, which included 25 miles of terrain in one day, says Guledjian.
—Brit Morse, Fortune, 19 July 2025
The Himalayas are beautiful and unlike any other piece of terrain on Earth.
—New Atlas, 18 July 2025
The Mid style is specifically well-suited for day hikers who may encounter loose rocks, wet weather, or muddy terrain.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrain
Cite this Entry
“Terrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrain. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
terrain
noun
ter·rain
tə-ˈrān 
also te-
: the surface features of an area of land
rough terrain
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share