arcade

noun

ar·​cade är-ˈkād 

plural arcades

1

: a long arched building or gallery

2

a

: an arched covered passageway or avenue (as between shops)

b

chiefly British : a building that includes many shops

A job fair … today will introduce locals to the details of the 250 jobs that a new shopping arcade will bring when its doors open this autumn.

—The Journal (Newcastle, England)

3

: a series of arches with their columns or piers

4

: an amusement center having coin-operated games

Examples of arcade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Family-friendly Offerings My 13-year-old daughter, who up until now has only been on expedition cruises, was delighted with World Europa’s kid-friendly offerings, including multiple arcades, virtual reality rides, and F1 simulator cars that were, admittedly, fun for us adults, too. —Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2025

So, there’s an absolute glut of retro devices out there, from handhelds to tabletop arcades, that are sadly locked down. —Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

The lodge also has an arcade, build-a-bear workshop and mini golf. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 26 Dec. 2024

Shot in an expansive Ottawa arcade, the film is able to utilize the color, lights and gizmos of its attractions to acceptably atmospheric effect. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian arcata, from arco arch, from Latin arcus

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing arcade

• amusement arcade
• arcade game
• penny arcade
• video arcade

Kids Definition

arcade

noun

ar·​cade är-ˈkād 

1

: a row of arches with the columns that support them

2

: an arched or covered passageway (as between shops)

3

: a place with many games to be played by putting coins or tokens in them

Medical Definition

arcade

noun

ar·​cade är-ˈkād 

1

: an anatomical structure comprising a series of arches

2

: dental arch