First Known Use: 1538
Dictionary
area
noun ar·ea \ˈer-ē-ə, ˈā-rē-ə\
: a part or section within a larger place
: a section of space within a building, room, etc.
: a part of the surface of something (such as a person's body or a piece of cloth)
Full Definition of AREA
1
: a level piece of ground
2
: the surface included within a set of lines; specifically : the number of unit squares equal in measure to the surface — see metric system table, weight table
3
: the scope of a concept, operation, or activity : field <the whole area of foreign policy>
4
: areaway
5
: a particular extent of space or surface or one serving a special function: as a : a part of the surface of the body b : a geographic region
6
: a part of the cerebral cortex having a particular function
— ar·e·al \-ē-əl\ adjective
— ar·e·al·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb
See area defined for English-language learners
See area defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of AREA
Latin, open space, threshing floor; perhaps akin to Latin arēre to be dry — more at arid
AREA Defined for Kids
area
noun ar·ea \ˈer-ē-ə\
Definition of AREA for Kids
1
: region 1 <a farming area>
2
: the amount of surface included within limits <the area of a triangle>
3
: a part of the surface of something
4
: a field of activity or study <the area of medicine>
Medical Dictionary
area
noun ar·ea \ˈar-ē-ə, ˈer-\
Medical Definition of AREA
: a part of the cerebral cortex having a particular function—see association area, motor area, sensory area
Learn More About AREA
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: area amnioticaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: are All Words Near: area
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up area? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).