terrarium

noun

ter·​rar·​i·​um tə-ˈrer-ē-əm How to pronounce terrarium (audio)
plural terraria tə-ˈrer-ē-ə How to pronounce terrarium (audio) or terrariums
: a usually transparent enclosure for keeping or raising plants or usually small animals (such as turtles) indoors

Did you know?

A Terrarium at the Zoo

The turtle exhibit at a zoo is often in the form of a terrarium, as are some of the exhibits at a plant conservatory. In an ant terrarium, elementary-school students watch the ants dig their network of tunnels as if no one were watching. Terrariums try to create conditions as close as possible to a natural habitat. A covered terrarium can often sustain itself for months on the moisture trapped inside. But creating a good terrarium requires careful control not only of humidity but also of temperature, as well as good ventilation; the lighting should include the full spectrum of sunlight as well as a day-night regulator.

Examples of terrarium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Curious kids can grow a terrarium environment from seed in only 3-4 days, thanks to quick-growing chia seeds and wheatgrass. Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 8 July 2025 Abby Perry, of Abby’s Garden Parties in Zionsville, told IndyStar in May that tariffs on glass containers and rocks from China for her terrarium bar have ranged from 35% to 125%. Brittany Carloni, IndyStar, 13 June 2025 Large terrariums, special heating and lighting equipment, specific substrates and cage decor can add up quickly. Samantha Winegarner, Mercury News, 8 July 2025 Add-ons include a taxidermy class, diorama terrarium workshop, and an owl pellet dissection class. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 10 Jan. 2012 See All Example Sentences for terrarium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin terra + -arium (as in vivarium)

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrarium was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrarium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrarium. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

terrarium

noun
ter·​rar·​i·​um tə-ˈrar-ē-əm How to pronounce terrarium (audio)
-ˈrer-
plural terraria
-ē-ə
or terrariums
: a transparent enclosure used for keeping and observing small animals and plants indoors
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!