The minimization of negative impacts in the event of a disaster is successful when there is good risk and disaster management (RDM), which includes prevention, preparation, mitigation, response and recovery actions. In Brazil, Law No. 12,608 of 2012 (BRASIL, 2012) establishes responsibilities divided between the union, states and municipalities, in the adoption of necessary measures to reduce risks and disasters (RRD) and considers the participation of civil society to be relevant. Such levels of management need clarity and well-defined criteria that support planning and decision-making so that there are more effective actions for RRD. An important step in the definition of criteria and decision-making in RDM is the understanding of the theme by the various actors involved, so that communication and results are effective. Given the above, this work aims to present a conceptual glossary of terms associated with the RRD area, developed through an inter-institutional partnership, in order to present the meanings of terminologies often mistakenly used in different contexts. The methodology used is composed of (i) bibliographic survey; (ii) selection of terms considered relevant and that have definitions based on UNISDR (2009) and on Brazilian legislation; (iii) organization of terms and their meanings in a glossary in table format; (iv) carrying out comparative and critical analyses.