noun
flatline
FLAT-lyn
Flatline (noun) means a continuous, unbroken line on a monitor showing that a heart or brain has stopped functioning. Example: “The monitor showed a flatline moments after his heart stopped.”
noun
1
A continuous, unbroken line on a monitor showing that a heart or brain has stopped functioning.
"The monitor showed a flatline moments after his heart stopped."
verb
1
To stop functioning entirely, especially the heart; by extension, to stop changing or growing.
"The patient flatlined twice before being stabilized."
"Company profits flatlined after the initial launch surge."
How to use flatline
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally, a heart or brain monitor going dead flat; figuratively, something that has stopped growing or changing at all.
Common pairings
flatline on the monitor
growth has flatlined
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like flatline.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- flatlines
- Third person singular
- flatlines
- Past tense
- flatlined
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The monitor showed a _____ moments after his heart stopped.
Etymology
From "flat" + "line" — describing the straight, unmoving trace an ECG or EEG produces when there's no more activity to record.
Rhymes for flatline
See all rhymes for flatline →Frequently asked questions
What does “flatline” mean?
The word “flatline” means a continuous, unbroken line on a monitor showing that a heart or brain has stopped functioning. In plain terms, literally, a heart or brain monitor going dead flat; figuratively, something that has stopped growing or changing at all.
How do you pronounce “flatline”?
“Flatline” is pronounced FLAT-lyn (/ˈflætˌlaɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “flatline” in a sentence?
Here is “flatline” used in a sentence: “The monitor showed a flatline moments after his heart stopped.”
What part of speech is “flatline”?
Depending on how it is used, “flatline” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “flatline” have?
“Flatline” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a continuous, unbroken line on a monitor showing that a heart or brain has stopped functioning.
