terrain

UK: /təˈreɪn/ US: /təˈreɪn/ ,(tə rān′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ter•rain /təˈreɪn/   n. [uncountable]

1. a piece of land, esp. with reference to its natural features:
   hilly terrain.

See -terr-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ter•rain  (tə rān′), n. 

1. a tract of land, esp. as considered with reference to its natural features, military advantages, etc.
2. Geology terrane.

• French Vulgar Latin *terrānum, noun, nominal use of neuter of *terrānus of land. See terra, -an
• 1720–30

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

terrain / təˈreɪn ˈtɛreɪn/ noun

1. ground or a piece of ground, esp with reference to its physical character or military potential: radio reception can be difficult in mountainous terrain, a rocky terrain

Etymology: 18th Century: from French, ultimately from Latin terrēnum ground, from terra earth