area

noun ar·ea \ ˈer-ē-ə , ˈā-rē-ə \

|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

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

—

areal

play \-ē-əl\ adjective

—

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

The restaurant chain opened its 52nd Chicago area location at 1720 Orchard Road in Aurora on July 10.

— jessie spangler, Aurora Beacon-News, "Lou Malnati's now open in Aurora," 14 July 2018
Firefighters blocked the area for safety and notified FPL, according to the city.

— juan ortega, Sun-Sentinel.com, "FPL restores power to downtown Hollywood after damaged pole caused outage," 14 July 2018
Main Stage music area requires a Fish Day Button, available for $5 on the grounds.

— elaine rewolinski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Summer Guide July 15-21: Festivals and free concerts," 14 July 2018
Both men were taken to area hospitals with injuries that were not life-threatening, Elow said.

— lucas phillips, BostonGlobe.com, "Two men shot in Cambridge Saturday morning an hour apart," 14 July 2018
Baltimore and the surrounding area sure has changed a lot in its centuries-long history.

— jacques kelly, baltimoresun.com, "Remembering Baltimore's magical glow from gaslights on a summer night," 14 July 2018
Keep that area clear of dish rags, pot holders, pasta boxes, paper towels, food wrappers, wooden spoons, and anything else that might catch a flame.

— carolyn l. todd, SELF, "Emergency Responders Share 9 of the Biggest Death Traps in Your Home," 14 July 2018
In 1977, a blackout hit the New York City area after lightning struck power lines upstate.

— sandiegouniontribune.com, "July 14, 1977: Blackout hits N.Y.," 14 July 2018
The school’s center will also have a large commons area where students will eat lunch.

— meredith colias-pete, Post-Tribune, "New Illiana Christian High School set to open in August," 13 July 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 5

See Words from the same year

area Synonyms

Synonyms

arena, bailiwick, business, circle, department, discipline, domain, element, fief, fiefdom, field, firmament, front, game, kingdom, line, precinct, province, realm, specialty, sphere, terrain, walk;

Related Words

frontier;

study, subject;

territory, turf;

occupation, profession, pursuit, racket, vocation;

ambit, amplitude, breadth, compass, confine, dimension(s), extent, ken, reach, scope, sweep, width;

subfield, subspecialty;

Other Weights and Measures Terms

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

AREA Defined for English Language Learners

area

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)