mesa

noun

me·​sa ˈmā-sə How to pronounce mesa (audio)
: 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

Examples of mesa in a Sentence

a mesa in the Arizona desert
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meanwhile, the outdoor plaza, itself — elevated from the street some 30 feet at its south end, like a concrete mesa or pillbox — had essentially become a city block of dead space, each year hosting one giant event, the KC Fiesta Hispana, but little else. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2025 Scenic drive through Monument Valley Located in northern Arizona, Monument Valley is a collection of crimson and orange mesas and sandstone buttes maintained by Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation. Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 18 Aug. 2025 Less than an hour later, Adams and Bailey were leading us all across a mesa top to witness the moment that sunlight hit Fajada Butte. Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025 The park’s trails lead across red rock cliffs, piñon-juniper woodlands, and high-desert mesas with panoramic views in every direction that glow gold and orange at sunrise or sunset. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for mesa

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, literally, table, from Latin mensa

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mesa was in 1840

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Cite this Entry

“Mesa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mesa. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

mesa

noun
me·​sa ˈmā-sə How to pronounce mesa (audio)
: a flat-topped hill or small plateau with steep sides
Etymology

Spanish, literally, "table"

Geographical Definition

Mesa

geographical name

Me·​sa ˈmā-sə How to pronounce Mesa (audio)
city east of Phoenix in southwest central Arizona population 439,041

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