flatbed

1 of 2

adjective

flat·​bed ˈflat-ˌbed 

: having a horizontal bed on which the work rests

a flatbed printing press

a flatbed scanner

flatbed

2 of 2

noun

: a motortruck or trailer with a body in the form of a platform or shallow box

Examples of flatbed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Chickens have their own coop but are usually busy roaming the grounds, scratching in the dirt beneath old Packards and flatbed Fords. —Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 20 Apr. 2024

On a construction site in north Charlotte, a crane unloaded metal railings from the back of a flatbed truck. —Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2024

Noun

The following day his flatbed trailer loaded with tools was found abandoned in the 7200 block of East Thompson Road near Thompson Crossing Elementary School. —Jade Thomas, The Indianapolis Star, 6 June 2024

According to City News Service, a preliminary investigation found that lumber from the flatbed crashed through the box truck’s windshield, impaling the driver. —Christian Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1892, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1944, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

flatbed

1 of 2 adjective

flat·​bed ˈflat-ˌbed 

: having a horizontal bed on which material rests

a flatbed scanner

flatbed

2 of 2 noun

: a truck or trailer with a body in the form of a platform or shallow box