The word terrace comes from the Old French terrasse (and Latin terra, meaning "earth"). At its core, it refers to a flat, level area built on slope or raised ground.
Depending on the context, "terrace" is used as a noun or a verb in everyday English.
1. Primary Noun Meanings & Usage
A. Home Architecture (Patios & Balconies)
An outdoor, paved, or decked area connected to a house or restaurant, often used for sitting, dining, or relaxing.
- "We had breakfast on the hotel terrace overlooking the sea."
- "They added a wooden terrace to the back of their garden."
B. Urban Housing (Terrace Houses / Terraced Housing)
In British, Australian, and New Zealand English, a terrace (or terrace house) is one of a continuous row of similar houses joined by shared side walls (known as a "townhouse" in American English).
- "She lives in a classic 19th-century Victorian terrace in London."
C. Agriculture & Geography
A flat, stepped section of land cut into a hill or mountain slope to prevent erosion and allow farming.
- "The farmers cultivated rice on the steep mountain terraces."
D. Sports Grounds & Stadiums
In British English, the terraces refer to the flat, tiered standing areas in football (soccer) stadiums.
- "Thousands of fans gathered on the terraces to cheer for their team."
2. Verb Usage
As a verb (to terrace), it means to transform sloping ground into a series of flat, step-like platforms. It is most often used in the passive voice (terraced).
- Active: "The gardener plans to terrace the backyard slope."
- Passive/Adjective: "The steep hill was terraced to create planting beds for tomatoes."
Quick Summary of Common Expressions
| Expression | Meaning | Typical Region |
| Terrace house / Terraced house | Row house sharing side walls | UK, Australia |
| Paved terrace | Outdoor patio or dining space | Global |
| Terraced fields | Stepped farmland on hillsides | Global |
| Standing on the terraces | Watching sports from standing tiers | UK |
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