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

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Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

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)