Definition of TOPOGRAPHY (original) (raw)
1
a
: the art or practice of graphic delineation in detail usually on maps or charts of natural and man-made features of a place or region especially in a way to show their relative positions and elevations
2
a
: the configuration of a surface including its relief and the position of its natural and man-made features
b
: the physical or natural features of an object or entity and their structural relationships
the topography of human chromosomes
the political topography of our time
Did you know?
Topography combines top- with graph-, a root meaning "write" or "describe". The topography of the Sahara Desert features shifting sand dunes and dry, rocky mountains. A topographic (or topo) map not only shows the surface features of a region but also indicates the contours and approximate altitude of every location, by means of numerous curving lines, each indicating a single elevation. In other words, it shows a "three-dimensional" picture on a two-dimensional surface. Topo maps are commonly used by hikers, surveyors, government workers, and engineers, among other people.
Synonyms
Examples of topography in a Sentence
a map of the topography of the coastline shows a significant loss of wetlands
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Although several factors such as drought, climate change, and landscape topography contribute to the wildfire crisis, the declining health of our nation's forests is the primary cause. —
Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 The Los Angeles fires are similarly pouring smoke and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, with the local _topography_—mountains that trap haze in the Los Angeles Basin—keeping the mess around. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 10 Jan. 2025 But the steep topography and the rugged landscape carry a risk: Wildfires are a constant threat. —Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 The model integrates readings from nearby air sensors with satellite data, weather, topography, and other inputs. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for topography 
Word History
Etymology
Middle English topographie, from Late Latin topographia, from Greek, from topographein to describe a place, from topos place + graphein to write — more at carve
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of topography was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near topography
Cite this Entry
“Topography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topography. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 9 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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