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
Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
The species was discovered on the Jawahar plateau in India’s Maharashtra state, about an 85-mile drive northeast from Mumbai.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 28 July 2025
Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 31 July 2025
Without the drive to continuously learn and improve, talented individuals may plateau or fail to reach their full potential.
—Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for plateau
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Noun
That productivity was followed by a plateau around the time faculty were given tenure.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
The species was discovered on the Jawahar plateau in India’s Maharashtra state, about an 85-mile drive northeast from Mumbai.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 28 July 2025
Verb
That means global power-sector emissions are expected to plateau this year and begin to gradually fall next year.
—Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 31 July 2025
Without the drive to continuously learn and improve, talented individuals may plateau or fail to reach their full potential.
—Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 5 May 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 6 Aug. 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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