flatbed

1 of 2

adjective

flat·​bed ˈflat-ˌbed 

: having a horizontal bed on which the work rests

a flatbed printing press

a flatbed scanner

flatbed

2 of 2

noun

: a motortruck or trailer with a body in the form of a platform or shallow box

Examples of flatbed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The flatbed cars that carry long sections of steel replacement rails are pulled by diesel work trains, as are the crane cars that help position the rails. —Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026

Not that the work for the Olympics ever stops for the company’s 100 3D and flatbed machines—or its equal number of employees. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 20 Feb. 2026

Noun

That standard camp kit starts with a slide-out 95-L Dometic dual-zone fridge/freezer stored away in a dedicated cabinet just in front of the flatbed. —New Atlas, 6 Mar. 2026

The engines, which pull cranes, flatbeds, de-icers and other work cars, are vital to the maintenance of the subway system. —Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1892, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1944, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for flatbed

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

flatbed

1 of 2 adjective

flat·​bed ˈflat-ˌbed 

: having a horizontal bed on which material rests

a flatbed scanner

flatbed

2 of 2 noun

: a truck or trailer with a body in the form of a platform or shallow box