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
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 on the Web
The neighborhood/area There are four other new hotels on this block (and more to come), and Noelle is the most refined of the bunch.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
That area of California is also home to Riverside County Sheriff Bianco, one of the two leading Republicans in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
—David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
The incident follows several skier deaths at Tahoe-area resorts and the deaths of nine backcountry skiers swept away by an avalanche near Lake Tahoe.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for area
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
In cases of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, initiate your hazard lights and locate a secure spot, such as a nearby business parking area, to pull over and come to a halt.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
That area of California is also home to Riverside County Sheriff Bianco, one of the two leading Republicans in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
—David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
The incident follows several skier deaths at Tahoe-area resorts and the deaths of nine backcountry skiers swept away by an avalanche near Lake Tahoe.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for area
Cite this Entry
“Area.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/area. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
area
noun
ar·ea
ˈar-ē-ə 
ˈer-
1
: a particular piece of ground or extent of space often set aside for special use
a picnic area
a waiting area
2
: the surface inside a figure or shape
especially
: the number of unit squares equal to the amount of space the surface covers
a circle with an area of 500 square meters
3
: region sense 2a
a farming area
4
: a field of activity or study
5
: a part of the brain having a particular function (as vision or hearing)
Etymology
from Latin "open space, threshing floor" — related to aerie
Medical Definition
area
noun
ar·ea
ˈar-ē-ə, ˈer-
: a part of the cerebral cortex having a particular function see association area, motor area, sensory area
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