plural plateaus also plateaux
pla-ˈtōz 
ˈpla-ˌtōz
1
a
: a usually extensive land area having a relatively level surface raised sharply above adjacent land on at least one side : tableland
b
: a similar undersea feature
2
a
: a region of little or no change in a graphic representation
b
: a relatively stable level, period, or condition
3
: a level of attainment or achievement
the 500-point plateau
plateaued; plateauing; plateaus
: to reach a level, period, or condition of stability or maximum attainment
Examples of plateau in a Sentence
Noun
a plateau covering hundreds of miles
The price of gas seems to have reached a plateau.
Verb
Sales of computers have plateaued in recent years.
Recent Examples on the Web
Graham Averill, Outside, 28 Oct. 2025
Today, Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis, which sprawls across the plateau above the white terraces, are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that pulls in busloads of visitors.
—Barry Neild, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Dave Smith, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Earlier seasons such as 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 peak above 60% by spring, while more recent years plateau lower.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plateau
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Noun
The 101-year-old ranch, built on a plateau just above the river, consists of a handful of cabins and bunkhouses surrounding a larger lodge.
—Graham Averill, Outside, 28 Oct. 2025
Today, Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis, which sprawls across the plateau above the white terraces, are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that pulls in busloads of visitors.
—Barry Neild, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
Mortgage applications have slightly increased, and home prices are starting to plateau or even drop in some markets.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
Earlier seasons such as 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 peak above 60% by spring, while more recent years plateau lower.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plateau
Cite this Entry
“Plateau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plateau. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
plateau
noun
pla·teau
pla-ˈtō, ˈpla-ˌ
plural plateaus also plateaux
-ˈtōz, -ˌtōz
: a relatively flat elevated area see tibial plateau
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