plaza

noun

pla·​za ˈplä-zə  ˈpla- 

1

a

: a public square in a city or town

b

: an open area usually located near urban buildings and often featuring walkways, trees and shrubs, places to sit, and sometimes shops

2

: a place on a thoroughfare (such as a turnpike) at which all traffic must temporarily stop (as to pay tolls)

3

: an area adjacent to an expressway which has service facilities (such as a restaurant, gas station, and restrooms)

4

: shopping center

Examples of plaza in a Sentence

They put his statue in the town's plaza.

Recent Examples on the Web

At the ground level will be desert landscaping, splash pads, a plaza and spaces to host music events, movie nights, holiday festivals and farmers markets. —Jeremy Duda, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024

On March 24, 2022, a fire broke out at nail salon at the plaza, prompting assistance from multiple agencies. —Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2024

After over two years of planning, delays, and construction, Gilroy celebrated the transformation of a back alley into a public pedestrian plaza in a move that officials say will bring new life into downtown and serve as a hub of activity in the city. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024

An 80,000-foot plaza outside the main gate includes a court for pickup games. —Andrew Greif, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Latin platea broad street — more at place

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing plaza

• toll plaza

Kids Definition

plaza

noun

pla·​za ˈplaz-ə  ˈpläz- 

: a public square in a city or town