# plateau

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈplætəʊ/ · frequency rank #12,830

## Definitions
1. A largely level expanse of land at a high elevation; tableland.
2. A comparatively stable level after a period of increase. (of a varying quantity)
3. An ornamental dish for the table; a tray or salver.
4. A notable level of attainment or achievement.
5. Any of several distinct, dose-dependent stages of a dextromethorphan trip.

## Etymology
Borrowed from French plateau, diminutive of plat (“a plate”); see plate. Doublet of platter.

## Easily confused with
- **plates** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plateau-vs-plates)
- **plated** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plateau-vs-plated)
- **plateaus** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plateau-vs-plateaus)
- **plate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plate-vs-plateau)

## Common misspellings (9)
`lpateau`, `palteau`, `plaetau`, `plataeu`, `plateua`, `platteau`, `pllateau`, `pltaeau`, `pplateau`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/plateau