flat-topped

IPA/flˈattˈɒpt/
IPA/flˈættˈɑːpt/

flat-topped — adjective

1. describing an object, landform, or hairstyle whose upper part is level and flat,

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

describing an object, landform, or hairstyle whose upper part is level and flat, not rounded or pointed.

Example

The hikers reached the top of a flat-topped mesa after a long climb.

collocation: flat-topped mesa

Gabriel asked the barber for a flat-topped haircut just like his brother's.

collocation: flat-topped haircut

Common collocations
  • flat-topped mesa
  • flat-topped mountain
  • flat-topped haircut
  • flat-topped building
  • flat-topped hill
  • flat-topped rock
Synonyms
  • flat

    more common and general; describes any surface, not specifically the upper one

  • level

    emphasises evenness and horizontal alignment, not just the top

  • table-topped

    less common but similar meaning, often used for mountains

Antonyms
  • rounded

    curved on top instead of ending in a flat surface

  • domed

    shaped like a dome, opposite of a flat summit

  • pointed

    tapering to a tip rather than ending flat

Common Mistakes

The table is flat-topped on the top.
The table has a flat top.
'flat-topped' already includes the idea of 'top'; adding 'on the top' is redundant.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe surfaces without significant curves or bumps, but they differ in scope. 'Flat' is the most general — a flat surface can be horizontal or vertical (a flat wall). 'Level' specifically means horizontal and even; you cannot have a level wall. 'Even' focuses on smoothness without irregularities and allows gentle slopes (an even lawn). 'Flat-topped' is the narrowest: it only describes the upper part of something. A kitchen counter is flat, not flat-topped (its top IS its whole surface); a mesa is flat-topped, not just flat (the description points to the summit specifically). Use 'flat-topped' when the shape of the crown or summit matters.

Common collocations

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Combination of 'flat' (from Old English 'flet', meaning level or smooth) and 'topped' (from 'top', from Old English 'topp', meaning the highest part). The compound has been used since at least the 18th century to describe landforms and later other objects with a flat upper surface.