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
Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Clayton’s driving layup while falling to the floor and getting fouled with 1:33 to go was the dagger Saturday night at the Alamodome and carried him over the 30-point plateau in consecutive games.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025
Dan Primack, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
Although global oil demand seems slated to plateau in the early 2030s, natural gas consumption is expected to continue to increase well into the 2040s.
—Daniel Yergin, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plateau
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Noun
Spread across a plateau atop Lookout Mountain, The Keep takes its name from the majestic cliffside views reminiscent of Europe's historic castles.
—Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Clayton’s driving layup while falling to the floor and getting fouled with 1:33 to go was the dagger Saturday night at the Alamodome and carried him over the 30-point plateau in consecutive games.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
Stripe didn't plateau or miss its window.
—Dan Primack, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
Although global oil demand seems slated to plateau in the early 2030s, natural gas consumption is expected to continue to increase well into the 2040s.
—Daniel Yergin, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 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 17 Apr. 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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