WordGarden.ioworktop
Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɜːktɒp/
US
Meanings
Noun
a flat surface used for preparing food or doing practical work, especially in a kitchen
Beyond the definition
A worktop, often called a countertop in American English, is the flat surface in a kitchen where you prepare food, place appliances, or set things down while cooking. It is usually strong, easy to clean, and made to handle daily use. When people talk about a new kitchen, they often mention the cupboards, the sink, and the worktop together.
You can also find one in places like bakeries, utility rooms, or workshops, where it gives you a solid surface to work on. Still, the kitchen meaning is the one most people think of first.
The word "worktop" refers to a flat, durable surface designed for working on. Most commonly, we think of it as the countertop in a kitchen – that essential space for food preparation, serving, and often, casual dining. But its use extends far beyond the culinary world! A worktop can be found in workshops, garages, laboratories, or any area where you need a solid, stable surface to perform tasks.
The material of a worktop varies widely. Kitchen worktops are frequently made from laminate, wood, granite, quartz, stainless steel, or even concrete – each offering different levels of durability, aesthetics, and cost. A workshop worktop might be constructed from heavy-duty plywood or solid hardwood, built to withstand the impact of tools and materials.
The term "worktop" is particularly common in British English; in American English, "countertop" is more frequently used for kitchen surfaces. However, both terms are understood on either side of the Atlantic.
Think about it: whether you're carefully icing a cake, assembling furniture, or conducting a science experiment, the worktop provides the foundation for your efforts. It's the silent partner in countless projects and daily routines – a testament to practicality and purposeful design. So next time you're busy in the kitchen or workshop, take a moment to appreciate the humble but vital worktop!
Examples
- 1
Food prep
Chop the onions on the worktop, and I'll heat the pan.
- Usageworktop
British English for the flat kitchen surface where you prepare food
- 2
Kitchen design
We chose a wooden worktop because it makes the kitchen feel warmer.
- 3
Keeping space clear
Try to keep the worktop clear so there's room to prepare the food.
See also
Similar
- countertop
- counter
- kitchen bench
Shades of meaning
- work surface
- counter space
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- kitchen worktop
- granite worktop
- clean the worktop
- worktop space
Explore
- kitchen island
- backsplash
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- worktop