mesa

noun

me·​sa ˈmā-sə 

: an isolated relatively flat-topped natural elevation usually more extensive than a butte and less extensive than a plateau

also : a broad terrace with an abrupt slope on one side : bench

Synonyms of mesa

• plateau
• highland
• tableland

Examples of mesa in a Sentence

a mesa in the Arizona desert

Recent Examples on the Web

Tectonic movement has shaped San Diego County into a rough collection of valleys, foothills, urban canyons and mesas. —The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

Angular rock formations, high mesas and cliffs shape its layered skyline. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 20 Feb. 2026

The 15,400-seat venue has been New Mexico’s home since 1966 and quickly earned the nickname The Pit, in part because it’s built into a mesa in southeast Albuquerque. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026

Think again, as the California Zephyr, the longest route in America crosses through seven states, carving up Colorado’s canyons, then passing into Utah where the sun ignites mesas into flaming towers of rock. —Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, literally, table, from Latin mensa

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mesa

noun

me·​sa ˈmā-sə 

: a flat-topped hill or small plateau with steep sides

Etymology

Spanish, literally, "table"

Geographical Definition

Mesa

geographical name

Me·​sa ˈmā-sə 

city east of Phoenix in southwest central Arizona population 439,041