area

noun

ar·​ea ˈer-ē-ə How to pronounce area (audio)
ˈā-rē-ə
1
: the surface included within a set of lines
specifically : the number of unit squares equal in measure to the surface see Metric System Table, Weights and Measures Table
2
: the scope of a concept, operation, or activity : field
the whole area of foreign policy
3
4
: a particular extent of space or surface or one serving a special function: such as
a
: a part of the surface of the body
b
: a geographic region
5
: a level piece of ground
6
: a part of the cerebral cortex having a particular function

Examples of area in a Sentence

Settlers came to this area from the east. The group visited the area during a hunting trip. in the area surrounding the lake The storm caused damage in many areas along the coast. a bird found only in remote areas of the U.S. in many areas of the world He is the metropolitan area's most popular politician. He lived in an unfashionable area of the city. She set aside a work area in the kitchen. The dining area has extra windows.
Recent Examples on the Web The Cathedral Rock Trail and nearby areas, including the junction where the Cathedral Rock and Templeton trails meet, will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays through April 13. Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 Xie, too, left his post at the end of last year, but the two men’s maneuvering has made the future of U.S.-China climate diplomacy a more inviting arena than U.S.-China diplomacy in other areas. Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2024 Authorities posted warning signs that afternoon but were later taken down when there were no further shark sightings reported in the area, the statement continued. David Chiu, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 Maine’s Acadia National Park has temporarily closed several trails so peregrine falcons can nest in peace in the area. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2024 Police in court records said the pair were taken into custody after video footage in the area that night captured a man walk into the College Avenue Smoke Shop, pull out a handgun and begin shooting Preer while his back was turned. Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 But with nearly 100 growing gangs in the metropolitan area, the force just does not have the firepower or training to restore calm to the country, sources say. Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 Students from public, private and home high schools in the Milwaukee area. Journal Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2024 Showers and thunderstorms are expected back in the Dallas-Fort Worth area Monday afternoon and into the evening possibly bringing wind gusts and small hail, according to the National Weather Service Fort Worth office. David Montesino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'area.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, open space, threshing floor; perhaps akin to Latin arēre to be dry — more at arid

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Time Traveler
The first known use of area was circa 1552

Dictionary Entries Near area

Cite this Entry

“Area.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/area. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

area

noun
ar·​ea ˈar-ē-ə How to pronounce area (audio)
ˈer-
1
: a particular piece of ground or extent of space often set aside for special use
a picnic area
a waiting area
2
: the surface inside a figure or shape
especially : the number of unit squares equal to the amount of space the surface covers
a circle with an area of 500 square meters
3
: region sense 2a
a farming area
4
: a field of activity or study
5
: a part of the brain having a particular function (as vision or hearing)
Etymology

from Latin "open space, threshing floor" — related to aerie

Medical Definition

area

noun
: a part of the cerebral cortex having a particular function see association area, motor area, sensory area

More from Merriam-Webster on area

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