verb
flatten
FLA-tuhn
Flatten (verb) means to make something flat or level. Example: “He flattened the dough with a rolling pin.”
verb
1
To make something flat or level.
"He flattened the dough with a rolling pin."
"The steamroller flattened the fresh asphalt."
2
To knock something or someone down completely.
"The storm flattened dozens of houses along the coast."
3
To press one's body against a surface, usually to hide or avoid something.
"She flattened herself against the wall as the car sped past."
How to use flatten
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something flat, or to knock it down so it becomes flat.
Common pairings
flatten the dough
flatten a building
flatten the curve
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- flattens
- Past tense
- flattened
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ the dough with a rolling pin.
Etymology
From "flat" + the verb-forming suffix "-en."
Synonyms
View more →
drop
flatten out
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for flatten
See all rhymes for flatten →Frequently asked questions
What does “flatten” mean?
The word “flatten” means to make something flat or level. In plain terms, to make something flat, or to knock it down so it becomes flat.
How do you pronounce “flatten”?
“Flatten” is pronounced FLA-tuhn (/ˈflæ.tən/ in IPA).
How do you use “flatten” in a sentence?
Here is “flatten” used in a sentence: “He flattened the dough with a rolling pin.”
What part of speech is “flatten”?
“Flatten” is a verb.
How many meanings does “flatten” have?
“Flatten” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something flat or level.
