area

play

noun ar·ea \ ˈer-ē-ə , ˈā-rē-ə \

Definition of area

1 :the surface included within a set of lines; specifically :the number of unit squares equal in measure to the surface — see Metric System Table, Weights and Measures Table

2 :the scope of a concept, operation, or activity :field

the whole area of foreign policy

3 :areaway

4 :a particular extent of space or surface or one serving a special function: such as

a :a part of the surface of the body

b :a geographic region

5 :a level piece of ground

6 :a part of the cerebral cortex having a particular function

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areal

play \-ē-əl\ adjective

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areally

play \-ə-lē\ adverb

See area defined for English-language learners

See area defined for kids

Examples of area in a Sentence

Settlers came to this area from the east.
The group visited the area during a hunting trip.
in the area surrounding the lake
The storm caused damage in many areas along the coast.
a bird found only in remote areas of the U.S.
in many areas of the world
He is the metropolitan area's most popular politician.
He lived in an unfashionable area of the city.
She set aside a work area in the kitchen.
The dining area has extra windows.

Recent Examples of area from the Web

Humane Society The Humane Society of North Texas took in 18 additional animals from the Houston area Tuesday as well.

— matthew martinez, star-telegram, "This Fort Worth foster pet outfit led the rescue effort for 108 animals near Baytown," 30 Aug. 2017
Contaminated crocs from Palo Verde may be migrating to the Tárcoles area, Murray says.

— mitch leslie, Science | AAAS, "Something is changing the sex of Costa Rican crocodiles," 30 Aug. 2017
One area where Khosrowshahi and Kalanick overlap is in their stance against President Trump.

— eric newcomer, Bloomberg.com, "New Uber CEO Hints at 2019 IPO as He Takes Over Troubled Startup," 30 Aug. 2017
Evan Webb, a meteorologist with NWS, says river flooding shouldn't be much of an issue with this amount of rain spread over 36 to 48 hours, but low-lying areas that typically have issues could see flooding.

— darcy costello, The Courier-Journal, "Tropical Storm Harvey expected to reach Louisville Thursday night, bringing rain and winds," 30 Aug. 2017
The Los Rancheros Kiwanis Club is holding its 49th annual pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 at the Rancho Bernardo High School lunch area, 13010 Paseo Lucido.

— elizabeth marie himchak, Rancho Bernardo, "Kiwanians to hold 49th annual pancake breakfast on Saturday," 30 Aug. 2017
They can be purchased at www.npchurch.org/resources/news/hurricane-harvey-disaster-response/. The church also plans to send a rebuilding team to the Houston area in early 2018, its website said.

— Naperville Sun, "How you can help Harvey victims," 30 Aug. 2017
For example, levels of oxytocin rise during pregnancy; the hormone, which promotes bonding, also triggers heightened levels of activity in areas of the brain linked to empathy and, yes, anxiety.

— sarah bregel, The Cut, "The Lonely Terror of Postpartum Anxiety," 29 Aug. 2017
A rabid bat caught by a family pet in the Eagle area is the first found in Ada County this year, according to a Central District Health Department press release.

— nicole blanchard, idahostatesman, "Rabid bat caught by Eagle housecat is first in Ada County this year," 29 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'area.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of area

Latin, open space, threshing floor; perhaps akin to Latin arēre to be dry — more at arid

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1552

See Words from the same year

area Synonyms

Synonyms

region, demesne, field, zone

Related Words

corner, section; locale, locality, location, locus, place, point, position, site, space, spot

Other Weights and Measures Terms

avoirdupois weight, calorie, denier, kip, pace, twain

AREA Defined for English Language Learners

area

play

noun

Definition of area for English Language Learners

: a part or section within a larger place
: a section of space within a building, room, etc.
: a part of the surface of something (such as a person's body or a piece of cloth)