area

noun

ar·​ea ˈer-ē-ə How to pronounce area (audio)
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
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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Getty Images Boeing machinists voted 64% against a new labor deal that included 35% wage increases over four years, their union said Wednesday, extending a more than five-week strike that has halted most of the company’s aircraft production, which is centered in the Seattle area. Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2024 Buyers with Experience in the Area One way to attract serious buyers is to reach out to those who have already purchased similar properties in the area. James Nelson, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 Union members in the Seattle area and elsewhere will vote on a Boeing offer that includes pay raises of 35% over four years, $7,000 ratification bonuses and the retention of performance bonuses that Boeing wanted to eliminate. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 23 Oct. 2024 Institutional investors, meanwhile, command the largest pools of global capital (roughly $120 trillion) and are uniquely positioned to invest in this area. Klaus Schwab, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for area 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of area was circa 1552

Dictionary Entries Near area

Cite this Entry

“Area.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/area. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

area

noun
ar·​ea ˈar-ē-ə How to pronounce area (audio)
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
: a part of the cerebral cortex having a particular function see association area, motor area, sensory area

More from Merriam-Webster on area

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