noun

topography

tuh-POG-ruh-fee

noun

The physical shape and features of an area of land, such as its hills, valleys, and rivers.

"The region's rugged topography made building roads difficult."

"Surveyors mapped the topography of the site before construction began."

How to Use Topography

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe lay of the land — its hills, slopes, and other surface features.

Common pairings

local topography topography of the region topography map

topographies plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The region's rugged _____ made building roads difficult.

From Ancient Greek topographia, from tópos ("place") and gráphō ("to write, describe").

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