plate Definition
- 1a flat dish, typically circular and made of china, from which food is eaten or served
- 2a thin, flat sheet or strip of metal or other material, typically one used to join or strengthen things or forming part of a machine
- 3a flat glass or plastic surface coated with a light-sensitive material, on which photographic images can be recorded
Using plate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "plate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She placed the plate of food in front of him.
Example
The mechanic used a metal plate to fix the broken engine.
Example
He developed the photograph on the glass plate.
plate Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using plate
Example
I can't go out tonight, I have a lot on my plate at work.
Example
The knight put on his plate of armor before heading into battle.
Example
He was so unhappy with his job that he wished they would just hand him his hat and coat on a plate.
Phrases with plate
Example
He always leaves a clean plate after dinner.
Example
She has a full plate with her job and taking care of her children.
Example
The antique spoon was made of silver plate.
Origins of plate
from Old English 'plætt', meaning 'flat piece of land'
Summary: plate in Brief
A 'plate' [pleɪt] can refer to a flat dish made of china, a thin sheet of metal or other material used to join or strengthen things, or a flat glass or plastic surface coated with a light-sensitive material for photographic images. Phrases like 'clean plate' and 'full plate' are used to describe the amount of food or work one has, while idioms like 'have a lot on one's plate' and 'hand someone their hat and coat on a plate' denote having a lot of work or making it easy for someone to leave.