Did you know? Terrestrial might be a pretty down-to-earth word, but some of its relatives are out of this world. "Terrestrial" first appeared in English in the 15th century and derives from the Latin root terra, …

TERRESTRIAL definition: 1. relating to the earth 2. (of a planet) similar to Earth: 3. (of animals) living on the land…. Learn more.

TERRESTRIAL definition: pertaining to, consisting of, or representing the earth as distinct from other planets. See examples of terrestrial used in a sentence.

Definition of terrestrial adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Define terrestrial. terrestrial synonyms, terrestrial pronunciation, terrestrial translation, English dictionary definition of terrestrial. adj. 1. Of or relating to the earth or its inhabitants.

A terrestrial animal or plant lives on land or on the ground rather than in the sea, in trees, or in the air.

Nov 24, 2025 · terrestrial (not comparable) Of, relating to, or inhabiting the land of the Earth or its inhabitants, earthly. quotations

Not straying far from its Latin root terra, meaning "earth," terrestrial means "of the earth." If it's terrestrial, you'll find it on earth. If it's extraterrestrial, you'll find it emerging from a UFO.

terrestrial, adj. & n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

of or relating to the earth as distinct from other planets: terrestrial atmosphere. of or relating to land as distinct from water: Most terrestrial creatures have less need to be streamlined than marine creatures.