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

Among the other main-level highlights is a game room decked out with old-school arcade machines, a billiards table, and French doors opening to the backyard, plus a kitchen with shaker-style cabinetry, marble countertops, a split-level eat-in island, and top-tier Miele and Thermador appliances. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025

With its opulent decoration, arcades and carvings, the famous palazzo serves as inspiration for Roberto Coin’s Love in Verona collection. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025

Detroit Klaws is an arcade with only claw machines. —Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 8 Dec. 2025

Return to Kyoto and explore the Kyoto Nishiki Market, a narrow arcade lined with over 100 food vendors. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Dec. 2025

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