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
Synonyms
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
Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2024
But within three or four years, when such tricks stop working, results tend to plateau and their necks go on the chopping block.
—Peter Georgescu, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Emily Anthes, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2022
Rising grain and corn costs eliminate some of the hope that inflation could plateau in the second half of the year.
—Patrick Thomas and Alistair MacDonald, WSJ, 6 Mar. 2022
See all Example Sentences for plateau 
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.
Noun
For many people, weight loss seems to plateau at a certain point, often after about six months to a year of trying.
—Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2024
But within three or four years, when such tricks stop working, results tend to plateau and their necks go on the chopping block.
—Peter Georgescu, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
Alternatively, flu cases could plateau for a while.
—Emily Anthes, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2022
Rising grain and corn costs eliminate some of the hope that inflation could plateau in the second half of the year.
—Patrick Thomas and Alistair MacDonald, WSJ, 6 Mar. 2022
See all Example Sentences for plateau
Dictionary Entries Near plateau
Cite this Entry
“Plateau.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plateau. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share