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

Rosen recognized videogames’ potential early, starting in the 1960s with arcades and then home consoles. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Guests can enjoy three pools, sports courts, a splash pad, a mini-golf course, an arcade, and a robust lineup of kid-friendly activities. —Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2026

The company offers a Neo Geo Mini console, a miniature version of the full-size arcade console. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026

Mornings might begin with relaxed pool time, followed by slides and splash zones, afternoon breaks at Flippers or the arcade, and evenings spent watching the light shift over the island—no snow boots required. —Amber Love Bond, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 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