terra firma

noun

ter·​ra fir·​ma ˌter-ə-ˈfər-mə How to pronounce terra firma (audio)
also -ˈfir-
Synonyms of terra firmanext
: dry land : solid ground

Synonyms of terra firma

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Examples of terra firma in a Sentence

after that nightmarish storm, the sailors were grateful to reach terra firma
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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.
There might be a fight to escape, but even those few who crawl over rocks and grit and sand to reach terra firma find their surroundings changed. — Literary Hub, 18 May 2026 Containers aren’t just for urban gardeners who lack space or terra firma. — Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 4 May 2026 The same equipment that keeps the Grenadier gripped up and comfortable on the terra firma also behooves its ride around town. — Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 And that's important, because Orion — like the Apollo capsules before it — is designed to splash down in the ocean, not land on terra firma. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terra firma

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, solid land

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of terra firma was in 1638

Rhymes for terra firma

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Browse Nearby Words

terrae filius
terra firma
terraform
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Cite this Entry

“Terra firma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terra%20firma. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

terra firma

noun
ter·​ra fir·​ma
-ˈfər-mə
: dry land : solid ground
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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