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 Think again, as the California Zephyr, the longest route in America crosses through seven states, carving up Colorado’s canyons, then passing into Utah where the sun ignites mesas into flaming towers of rock. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2024 At Dead Horse Point and Island in the Sky, there are expansive views of maze-like chasms that typify the biking experience along the acclaimed mesa and singletrack. Everett Potter, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024 Like the mesas of Monument Valley, these narrative strands are also immediately recognizable. Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 7 Sep. 2024 Double the distance for an out-and-back route that showcases the park’s most dramatic features: towering spires, vast mesas, and delicate hoodoos. Outside Online, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mesa 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mesa.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near mesa

Cite this Entry

“Mesa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mesa. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

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

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