A butte is a specific type of geomorphological landform characterized as an isolated hill with steep, often vertical sides and a relatively small, flat top. In terms of scale, buttes are smaller than other similar landforms such as mesas, plateaus, and tablelands.
The term originates from the French word "butte," which translates to "knoll." While it is used in various geographical contexts, the terminology is particularly prevalent in the Western United States. In these regions, the distinction between a butte and a mesa is primarily defined by size, with "mesa" being reserved for the larger landform.