area

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

Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing area Learn More About area

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web The fire is considered human-caused because there was no lightning in the area, officials say. — Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, 12 May 2022 Officials said the program grew out of another pilot program in the area — a Neighborhood Policing Plan, which seeks community input to create a neighborhood-specific approach to increasing public safety. — Lea Skene, Baltimore Sun, 12 May 2022 The fire, which grew to about 200 acres yesterday evening, was fueled by gusty winds that reached up to 30 mph in the area, according to nearby observations from the National Weather Service. — Alexandra Meeks, CNN, 12 May 2022 The Supreme Court sided with the military, which says there were no permanent structures in the area before it was designated a training zone. — Joseph Krauss, ajc, 12 May 2022 The report says witnesses were interviewed in the area. — Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 12 May 2022 Tempe police advised commuters to avoid neighborhoods and side streets in the area to try to get through the traffic. — Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 12 May 2022 Barlow told police in the area to race his car, but had little memory after hitting a bump at the time of the crash. — Jordan Miller, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 May 2022 An earthquake struck Wyoming in the area of Yellowstone National Park on Wednesday morning, according to the University of Utah's Seismograph Stations. — Sophie Reardon, CBS News, 12 May 2022 See More

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.