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.
Helping employees navigate the topography by feeling secure and united helps employees know what is expected and predicts the behaviors desired. —
Andrea Carter, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 The island also has some of the most dramatic topography in Greece. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2024 However, smoke from the fires has been an ongoing issue for residents in the surrounding communities as trees, stumps and topography continue to smolder. —Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 10 Nov. 2024 If Copenhagen's bike lanes favor speed demons, its pedestrian thoroughfares—and favorable _topography_—are well suited for leisurely exploration. —Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Oct. 2024 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 28 Dec. 2024.
Share
More from Merriam-Webster on topography
Last Updated: 17 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!