flatscreen: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, leaning informal. Common in everyday, business, and technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “flatscreen” mean?
A thin television or computer monitor with a flat surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thin television or computer monitor with a flat surface.
Can refer broadly to the physical display technology or be used adjectivally to describe a device that incorporates such a screen (e.g., flatscreen TV).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. The word is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral/positive, associated with modernity, sleek design, and space-saving. No regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both BrE and AmE. Possibly more common in marketing/advertising in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “flatscreen” in a Sentence
[Verb] a flatscreen (buy, mount, install)[Adjective] flatscreen (large, new, modern, wall-mounted)flatscreen [Noun] (flatscreen television)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flatscreen” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- We're looking for a new flatscreen telly for the lounge.
- The office installed flatscreen monitors for all staff.
American English
- We bought a huge flatscreen TV for the Super Bowl.
- All the classrooms have flatscreen displays now.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in retail, marketing, and office procurement contexts (e.g., 'We need to upgrade the conference room with a new flatscreen.')
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; may appear in media studies or technology history papers as a descriptive term.
Everyday
Very common in conversation about home electronics, shopping, and interior design.
Technical
Used descriptively in specifications and product literature, but more precise terms like 'LCD', 'OLED', or 'IPS panel' are preferred for detailed technical discussion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flatscreen”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flatscreen”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flatscreen”
- Misspelling as two words ('flat screen') – while sometimes seen, the hyphenated or single-word form is standard for the fixed compound.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I flatscreened the film' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as one word ('flatscreen') or hyphenated ('flat-screen'), especially when used as an adjective. The two-word form 'flat screen' is less standard for the compound noun.
It's possible but less common. 'Flatscreen' typically implies a larger, standalone display like a TV or desktop monitor. For phones and laptops, terms like 'screen', 'display', or 'touchscreen' are more typical.
The core difference is physical profile. Flatscreens are thin and light, using LCD, LED, or plasma technology. Older CRT (cathode ray tube) TVs were much deeper, heavier, and had a curved glass screen.
It is neutral but leans slightly informal. It is perfectly acceptable in business and technical communication, but in highly formal or scientific writing, more precise terms like 'LCD display' or 'thin-film transistor monitor' might be preferred.
A thin television or computer monitor with a flat surface.
Flatscreen: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflætˌskriːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflætˌskriːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'flat' piece of glass for your 'screen' – it’s the opposite of the old bulky, curved TV screens.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCREEN AS A WINDOW/PORTAL (a flatscreen provides a view into other worlds). THINNESS AS ADVANCEMENT (flat = modern, advanced, efficient).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'flatscreen' in the sentence: 'He bought a 55-inch flatscreen.'