areola

noun

are·​o·​la ə-ˈrē-ə-lə  ˌer-ē-ˈō- 

ˌa-rē-

plural areolae ə-ˈrē-ə-ˌlē 

ˌer-ē-ˈō-ˌlē, 

ˌa-rē-

or areolas

: a small area between things or about something

especially : a colored ring (as about the nipple, a vesicle, or a pustule)

areolar

ə-ˈrē-ə-lər 

adjective

areolate

ə-ˈrē-ə-lət 

adjective

Examples of areola in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meta’s policy claims to make exceptions for nudity in medical or health contexts, but—whether accidental or not—the company has consistently flagged images of mastectomies and areola tattoos from breast cancer survivors as explicit content for years. —Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 2 Feb. 2026

Nipple and areola changes Nipple and areola changes are extremely common postpartum, especially for breastfeeding parents—yet they’re rarely talked about openly. —Alex Vance, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026

Gynecomastia — glandular breast tissue growth beneath the nipple and areola, the darker skin around the nipple — is not caused by fat. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025

Puffy nipples occur when one or both nipples and the surrounding areola are swollen or enlarged. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 21 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, small open space, diminutive of area

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for areola

• amygdala
• allah
• bala
• cala
• cholla
• mala
• sala
• scala
• cabala
• corolla
• impala
• kabbalah

Kids Definition

areola

noun

are·​o·​la ə-ˈrē-ə-lə 

plural areolae -ˌlē  or areolas

: a colored ring (as about the nipple)

areolar

-lər 

adjective

Medical Definition

areola

noun

are·​o·​la ə-ˈrē-ə-lə 

plural areolae -ˌlē  or areolas

: a small area between things or about something: as

a

: the colored ring around the nipple or around a vesicle or pustule

b

: the portion of the iris that borders the pupil of the eye