First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1bottom
noun bot·tom \ˈbä-təm\
: the lowest part, point, or level of something
: the part of something that is below or under the other parts
: the lowest point or surface inside something : the part of something hollow that is furthest from the top
Full Definition of BOTTOM
1
a : the underside of something b : a surface (as the seat of a chair) designed to support something resting on it —used figuratively in phrases like the bottom dropped out to describe a sudden collapse or downturn <lost millions when the bottom dropped out of the stock market> c : the posterior end of the trunk : buttocks, rump
2
: the surface on which a body of water lies
4
a : the lowest part or place <the bottom of the page> b : the remotest or inmost point c : the lowest or last place in point of precedence <started work at the bottom> d : the part of a garment worn on the lower part of the body; especially : the pants of pajamas —usually used in plural e : the last half of an inning of baseball f : the bass or baritone instruments of a band
5
: bottomland —usually used in plural
7
: capacity (as of a horse) to endure strain
8
: a foundation color applied to textile fibers before dyeing
9
: a fundamental quark that accounts for the existence and lifetime of upsilon particles and has an electric charge of −1⁄3 and a measured energy of approximately 5 GeV; also : the flavor characterizing this particle
— bot·tomed \-təmd\ adjective
See bottom defined for English-language learners
See bottom defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of BOTTOM
Middle English botme, from Old English botm; akin to Old High German bodam bottom, Latin fundus, Greek pythmēn
Related to BOTTOM
- Synonyms
- underbelly, underbody, underpart, underside, undersurface
Rhymes with BOTTOM
2bottom
verb
Definition of BOTTOM
transitive verb
1
: to furnish with a bottom
2
: to provide a foundation for
3
: to bring to the bottom
4
: to get to the bottom of
intransitive verb
1
: to become based
2
: to reach the bottom
3
: to reach a point where a decline is halted or reversed —usually used with out <the team bottomed out in last place>
— bot·tom·er noun
See bottom defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BOTTOM
1520
3bottom
adjective
: in the lowest position
: living at the lowest level of an ocean or lake
Full Definition of BOTTOM
1
: of, relating to, or situated at the bottom <bottom rock>
2
: frequenting the bottom <bottom fish>
See bottom defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BOTTOM
1561
Related to BOTTOM
- Synonyms
- bottommost, low, lowermost, nethermost, rock-bottom, undermost
Other Ecology Terms
BOTTOM Defined for Kids
bottom
noun bot·tom \ˈbä-təm\
Definition of BOTTOM for Kids
1
: the lowest part of something <the bottom of the stairs> <the bottom of the bowl>
2
: the under surface of something <There's gum on the bottom of my shoe.>
3
: a supporting surface or part : base <chair bottoms>
4
: the lowest or worst level or position <She graduated at the bottom of her class.>
5
: clothing that covers the lower part of the body <pajama bottoms>
6
: the bed of a body of water <the lake bottom>
7
: low land along a river <Mississippi River bottoms>
8
: the most basic part <Let's get to the bottom of the problem.>
9
: the second half of an inning of baseball
Learn More About BOTTOM
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: bottom boardPrevious Word in the Dictionary: bottlingAll Words Near: bottom
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up bottom? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).