stovetop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal, everyday
Quick answer
What does “stovetop” mean?
The flat, top surface of a kitchen stove or cooker where pots and pans are placed for cooking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The flat, top surface of a kitchen stove or cooker where pots and pans are placed for cooking.
Referring to cooking methods that involve using the burners or heating elements on the top of a stove, as opposed to using the oven. Also used as a modifier to describe kitchenware designed for such use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly American. In British English, 'hob' is the more common equivalent for the cooking surface, and 'cooker' often refers to the entire appliance.
Connotations
In AmE, it's a standard, neutral household term. In BrE, its use may be perceived as an Americanism, though it is understood.
Frequency
High frequency in AmE domestic contexts. Lower frequency in BrE, where 'hob' or 'cooker top' are preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “stovetop” in a Sentence
[PREP] on the stovetop[VERB] cook/prepare/heat/simmer [OBJ] on the stovetop[ADJ] stovetop [NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stovetop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard as a verb]
American English
- [Not standard as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- She preferred a stovetop smoke alarm for the kitchen.
- This is a traditional stovetop method.
American English
- We need a new stovetop kettle.
- He makes amazing stovetop popcorn.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the home appliance retail and manufacturing sectors.
Academic
Rare; may appear in domestic science, design, or energy efficiency studies.
Everyday
Very common in domestic and culinary contexts.
Technical
Used in appliance manuals, specifications, and kitchen design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stovetop”
- Using 'stove' and 'stovetop' interchangeably (a stove includes the stovetop and oven).
- Spelling as two separate words: 'stove top' (though sometimes accepted, 'stovetop' is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one word: 'stovetop'. The hyphenated 'stove-top' is less common, and the two-word form is generally considered incorrect.
A 'stove' (or 'cooker' in BrE) typically refers to the entire appliance, which may include an oven below. The 'stovetop' is specifically the flat top surface with burners or heating elements.
Yes, it is understood, but 'hob' is the more common and natural term in British English. Using 'stovetop' might sound American.
Yes, very commonly, as in 'stovetop espresso maker' or 'stovetop cooking'. It describes items or methods related to cooking on the stovetop.
The flat, top surface of a kitchen stove or cooker where pots and pans are placed for cooking.
Stovetop is usually informal, everyday in register.
Stovetop: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstəʊvtɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstoʊvtɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with 'stovetop'. A related idiom is 'from stove to table', but not specific.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STOVE, and on its TOP is where you put the pot.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SURFACE FOR TRANSFORMATION (heat transforms food).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is a British English synonym for 'stovetop'?