plaza

pla·za

noun \ˈpla-zə, ˈplä-\

Definition of PLAZA

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 shops

2

: 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

Examples of PLAZA

1. They put his statue in the town's plaza.

Origin of PLAZA

Spanish, from Latin platea broad street — more at place

First Known Use: 1683

Rhymes with PLAZA

Gaza