area code

noun

: a usually 3-digit number that identifies a particular telephone service area in a country (such as the U.S. or Canada)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Which area of Northeast Ohio is running out of phone numbers, necessitating an additional area code? Laura Johnston, cleveland, 15 Dec. 2022 By 1996, the population of Houston exceeded the capacity for just one area code. Jay R. Jordan, Chron, 13 July 2021 The tequila, named after the model's hometown area code, was announced earlier this year. People Staff, Peoplemag, 14 Feb. 2023 While an exact location isn’t necessary, anything would be an upgrade of the current system that links callers to services via their area code, which increasingly does not accurately reflect a person’s actual location because of the growth of mobile phones. Phil Mccausland, NBC News, 29 July 2022 The future is still coming into focus, but Lott expects his family will split time between career obligations in Los Angeles, as Jennifer teaches at USC and film work often necessitates a Southern California area code, and family time in Indianapolis. Rory Appleton, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Apr. 2022 The building's official opening was celebrated Thursday — 3/30 — to honor Akron's area code. Victoria Hernandez, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2023 Calls to the Lifeline are routed to their closest center based on area code, with the goal of connecting callers to counselors in their own state. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2023 Callers are routed based on their area code, as opposed to their physical location -- still, depending on where a call is routed, the response may be different. Kelly Livingston, ABC News, 11 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'area code.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of area code was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near area code

Cite this Entry

“Area code.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/area%20code. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

area code

noun
: a usually three-digit number that represents each telephone service area in a country (as the U.S. or Canada)

More from Merriam-Webster on area code

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