French word

terroir

Pronunciation

IPA/tɛʁwaʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounterroir

Example

Le terroir de cette région est reconnu.

The terroir of this region is well known.

Illustration for terroir (terroir)

More examples

Le terroir viticole donne un vin caractéristique.

The wine-growing terroir produces a distinctive wine.

Core concept

A region's soil and climate working together with inherited skills to give its produce a local identity.

Common phrases

  • le terroir de cette région

    the terroir of this region

  • terroir viticole

    wine-growing terroir

Similar words

région: A particular geographical area or locality.
origine: The place or point from which someone or something comes.

Definition in French

Espace géographique et ensemble de ses conditions naturelles et humaines (sol, climat, savoir-faire) qui donnent aux produits un caractère particulier.

Word origin

French terroir is formed from terre, 'land', and the suffix -oir; it once had a broader territorial sense before acquiring its agricultural meaning.

Usage tips

  • Terroir means more than a product's origin because it includes environmental conditions and human practices tied to that place.

Other meanings

  • soilnoun

Word lists with this word