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.
North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve Peak season: Mid-March to late April/May North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve encompasses a wide-open, 3,200-acre mesa near Oroville. Deb Hopewell, AFAR Media, 24 Mar. 2025 The two were close, living in the family’s home in a historic tribal village surrounded by high desert and mesas. Mary Hudetz, ProPublica, 27 Dec. 2022 Given the on-time launch and assuming no major problems, the Athena lander is expected to descend to touchdown on a flat mesa-like structure known as Mons Mouton on March 6, setting down just 100 miles from the Moon's south pole—closer than any other spacecraft has attempted. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2025 The mesa-like lunar mountain towers over a landscape carved by craters, including the Shackleton Crater, a cold, dark region where water ice and other materials that turn easily into gas are thought to be abundant. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mesa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mesa. Accessed 21 Apr. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on mesa

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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