areola

noun

are·​o·​la ə-ˈrē-ə-lə How to pronounce areola (audio) ˌer-ē-ˈō- How to pronounce areola (audio)
ˌa-rē-
plural areolae ə-ˈrē-ə-ˌlē How to pronounce areola (audio)
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 adjective
areolate adjective

Examples of areola in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This can happen to one or both of your nipples, but the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) does not typically change. Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 2 Nov. 2024 Whiting’s bare buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts, including her nipples and areolas, are briefly visible. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2024 Both kinds will offer your areolas a fresh sensation that fingers—and even a partner’s mouth—can’t quite match. Erica Sloan, SELF, 3 Sep. 2024 Thrush Thrush is a yeast infection that can appear on your nipple and areola and in your baby's mouth. Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for areola 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of areola was in 1664

Dictionary Entries Near areola

Cite this Entry

“Areola.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/areola. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

areola

noun
are·​o·​la ə-ˈrē-ə-lə How to pronounce areola (audio)
plural areolae -ˌlē How to pronounce areola (audio) or areolas
: a colored ring (as about the nipple)
areolar adjective

Medical Definition

areola

noun
are·​o·​la ə-ˈrē-ə-lə How to pronounce areola (audio)
plural areolae -ˌlē How to pronounce areola (audio) 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

More from Merriam-Webster on areola

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