English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

terra

TEH-ruh

Terra (noun) means Earth, ground, or land, especially as a physical surface (often in set phrases like terra firma). Example: “After weeks at sea, they were glad to be back on terra firma.”

noun
1
Earth, ground, or land, especially as a physical surface (often in set phrases like terra firma).
"After weeks at sea, they were glad to be back on terra firma."

How to use terra

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLatin-derived word for "earth" or "land," mostly seen today in the phrase "terra firma" (solid ground).

Common pairings
terra firma terra incognita

Word forms

terras plural, terrae plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “terra” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

After weeks at sea, they were glad to be back on _____ firma.

Etymology

Borrowed directly from Latin terra, "earth, land."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for terra

See all rhymes for terra →

Frequently asked questions

What does “terra” mean?

The word “terra” means earth, ground, or land, especially as a physical surface (often in set phrases like terra firma). In plain terms, latin-derived word for "earth" or "land," mostly seen today in the phrase "terra firma" (solid ground).

How do you pronounce “terra”?

“Terra” is pronounced TEH-ruh (/ˈtɛɹə/ in IPA).

How do you use “terra” in a sentence?

Here is “terra” used in a sentence: “After weeks at sea, they were glad to be back on terra firma.”

What part of speech is “terra”?

“Terra” is a noun.

Where does the word “terra” come from?

The word “terra” comes from Latin. Borrowed directly from Latin terra, "earth, land.".

Is “terra” a common word?

“Terra” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial