# flatbed

/ˈfɫætˌbɛd/ (US) · /flˈætbɛd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flatbed
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a scanner with a flat glass top where you lay a page down to copy it.

For teachers: a scanner with a flat glass plate on which a document is placed face down for high-resolution imaging.

## Examples

- I place the photo on the flatbed to scan it.
- She lifts the lid of the flatbed and lines up her passport for a clear copy.
- The archivist prefers the flatbed for fragile manuscripts because the documents rest undisturbed on the glass during high-resolution capture.

## Usage notes

- Often short for 'flatbed scanner'; also used attributively in 'flatbed scanner' and 'flatbed truck'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.