terracotta

or ter·ra-cot·ta, none ter·ra cot·ta

[ ter-uh-kot-uh ]

noun

1. a hard, fired clay, brownish-red in color when unglazed, that is used for architectural ornaments and facings, structural units, pottery, and as a material for sculpture.
2. something made of terracotta.
3. a brownish-orange color like that of unglazed terracotta.

adjective

1. made of or having the color of terracotta.

terracotta

/ ˌtɛrəˈkɒtə /

noun

1. a hard unglazed brownish-red earthenware, or the clay from which it is made
2. something made of terracotta, such as a sculpture
3. a strong reddish-brown to brownish-orange colour

adjective

1. made of terracotta

   a terracotta urn

2. of the colour terracotta

   a terracotta carpet

Word History and Origins

Origin of terracotta¹

First recorded in 1715–25; from Italian: literally, “baked earth, cooked earth,” from Latin terra cocta; thirsty, cook ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of terracotta¹

C18: from Italian, literally: baked earth

Example Sentences

Beyond the memories, the only trace of the great man is La Casa — the rambling, Spanish-style home with a terracotta roof, stucco walls and inlaid ceramic tiles that Valenzuela built for his family during the exhilarating, and financially remunerative, days of Fernandomania.

From Los Angeles Times

Established in 1957 – three years before independence - the museum houses objects from across the country, including Ife bronze and terracotta heads, Benin brass plaques and ivories, and Ibibio masks and costumes.

From BBC

Shiny stoneware sphinxes in modulated natural hues, an 11-foot mound of raffia crowned by the feminine symbol of a cowrie shell, a suspended cluster of several dozen breast-shaped terracotta gourds with golden nipples and pierced by metal antennas — sculpture’s most ancient substance is typically made sleek and modern in her hands.

From Los Angeles Times

It has "complex roofs including spirelets", dressings of red brick, stone and terracotta, varied windows and "wall enrichment".

From BBC

A previously unknown terracotta bust of the famed early Renaissance architect who designed the Florence Cathedral dome was unveiled Thursday in the Tuscan capital, where it will be displayed permanently following restoration.

From Seattle Times