area

noun

ar·​ea ˈer-ē-ə 

ˈā-rē-ə

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

Synonyms

• demesne
• field
• region
• zone

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

Salerno said highs for the region this time of year in the desert are typically in the 70s and 60s in higher terrain areas. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Instead of focusing solely on saturated areas, ask where healthcare innovation is genuinely lacking. —Janet Zhang, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

This can be a challenge for anyone, but even more so for those who live in cities and populated areas. —Valerie Cacho, Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2024

However, critics say landlines are a crucial service for people who live in rural areas with limited cell service, particularly older people who are more likely to rely on landlines. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, open space, threshing floor; perhaps akin to Latin arēre to be dry — more at arid

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Phrases Containing area

• area code
• area of expertise
• association area
• Broca's area
• catchment area
• conservation area
• disaster area
• equal-area
• fringe area
• gray area
• growth area
• in the area of
• local area network
• no-go area
• reception area
• rest area
• sensory area
• service area
• staging area
• sterling area
• sub-area
• surface area
• Wernicke's area
• wide area network
• wilderness area

Kids 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