soleplate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Specialized
Quick answer
What does “soleplate” mean?
The flat, heated metal plate at the base of an iron that comes into contact with fabric.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The flat, heated metal plate at the base of an iron that comes into contact with fabric.
Any flat, rigid plate forming the base or foundation of a machine, appliance, or tool; in engineering, a baseplate or mounting plate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in both varieties for the part of an iron.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “soleplate” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] soleplate of the [NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in procurement specifications for office equipment or in manufacturing contexts.
Academic
Rare. Could appear in materials science or engineering papers discussing surface coatings or heat transfer.
Everyday
Used when discussing iron maintenance, repairs, or when comparing product features while shopping for household appliances.
Technical
Standard term in appliance manuals, repair guides, and product descriptions for irons and similar heated pressing tools.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “soleplate”
- Misspelling as 'soulplate' or 'sole plate' (though the latter is an accepted variant). Using it as a verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'soleplate' (closed form) and 'sole plate' (open form) are accepted, though the closed form is more common in technical writing and product specifications.
Yes, but rarely. Its primary meaning is tied to irons. In very specialized engineering contexts, it can mean a foundational base plate, but 'baseplate' is the more common general term.
Refer to the appliance manual. Generally, for a cool iron, use a soft cloth with a mild solution. For stubborn residue, specific soleplate cleaning products are available. Never use abrasive pads.
Common materials include stainless steel, aluminium, ceramic, titanium, and non-stick coated surfaces like Teflon. Each has different heat distribution, glide, and durability properties.
The flat, heated metal plate at the base of an iron that comes into contact with fabric.
Soleplate is usually technical, specialized in register.
Soleplate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsəʊlpleɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsoʊlpleɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the SOLE of your shoe—it's the bottom part that touches the ground. The SOLEplate is the bottom part of the iron that touches the clothes.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION IS A SOLE (The base is like the bottom of a foot).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a soleplate?