Main Entry:

pla·za

Pronunciation:

\ˈpla-zə, ˈplä-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Spanish, from Latin platea broad street — more at place

Date:

1683

1 a: a public square in a city or town b: an open area usually located near urban buildings and often featuring walkways, trees and shrubs, places to sit, and sometimes shops2: a place on a thoroughfare (as a turnpike) at which all traffic must temporarily stop (as to pay tolls)3: an area adjacent to an expressway which has service facilities (as a restaurant, gas station, and restrooms)4: shopping center