arcade

noun

ar·​cade är-ˈkād 

plural arcades

1

: a long arched building or gallery

2

a

: an arched covered passageway or avenue (as between shops)

b

chiefly British : a building that includes many shops

A job fair … today will introduce locals to the details of the 250 jobs that a new shopping arcade will bring when its doors open this autumn.

—The Journal (Newcastle, England)

3

: a series of arches with their columns or piers

4

: an amusement center having coin-operated games

Examples of arcade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Boardwalk is where all of it comes together—stretching past beach entrances, arcades, saltwater taffy shops (the candy originated here in the 1880s), pizza counters, souvenir stores, and tram cars before leading directly into casino floors and hotel lobbies. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026

In truth, the magic happens outside—in the arcades, among the columns, in the particular atmosphere of the Palais-Royal itself. —Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026

There was nothing about the team’s schedule or opponents; instead, Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs and Tucker Kraft destroy cheese curds at an arcade. —Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 15 May 2026

But there’s plenty of play on land, too, including a classic arcade, casual dining with family favorites and even a special Camp-tiva program for youngsters. —South Seas, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian arcata, from arco arch, from Latin arcus

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing arcade

• amusement arcade
• arcade game
• penny arcade
• video arcade

Rhymes for arcade

• afraid
• allayed
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted
• cascade

Kids Definition

arcade

noun

ar·​cade är-ˈkād 

1

: a row of arches with the columns that support them

2

: an arched or covered passageway (as between shops)

3

: a place with many games to be played by putting coins or tokens in them

Medical Definition

arcade

noun

ar·​cade är-ˈkād 

1

: an anatomical structure comprising a series of arches

2

: dental arch