ENGLISH
REFERENCE

plates

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈpɫeɪts// UK //plˈeɪts// plates

n. flat, round dishes that you use for holding and serving food. They are usually made of ceramic, glass, or plastic.

n. flat, typically circular vessels from which food is eaten or served. In a geological context, refers to the large, mobile segments of the earth's lithosphere.


SIMPLE

Please put the dinner plates on the table.

CONTEXTUAL

After the party, we spent an hour washing all the dirty plates and cutlery in the sink.

COMPLEX

The waiter balanced three heavy ceramic plates on his left arm while navigating the crowded dining room with impressive grace.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the plural when referring to a set of dishes or tectonic structures.

© 2026 English Reference