First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1place
noun \ˈplās\
: a specific area or region of the world : a particular city, country, etc.
: a building or area that is used for a particular purpose
: a building, part of a building, or area that is used for shelter
Full Definition of PLACE
1
a : physical environment : space b : a way for admission or transit c : physical surroundings : atmosphere
2
a : an indefinite region or expanse <all over the place> b : a building or locality used for a special purpose <a place of learning> <a fine eating place> c archaic : the three-dimensional compass of a material object
3
a : a particular region, center of population, or location <a nice place to visit> b : a building, part of a building, or area occupied as a home <our summer place>
4
: a particular part of a surface or body : spot
5
: relative position in a scale or series: as a : position in a social scale <kept them in their place> b : a step in a sequence <in the first place, it's none of your business> c : a position at the conclusion of a competition <finished in last place>
6
a : a proper or designated niche or setting <the place of education in society> b : an appropriate moment or point <this is not the place to discuss compensation — Robert Moses> c : a distinct condition, position, or state of mind <the postfeminist generation is in a different place — Betty Friedan>
7
a : an available seat or accommodation <needs a place to stay> b : an empty or vacated position <new ones will take their place>
8
: the position of a figure in relation to others of a row or series; especially : the position of a digit within a numeral
9
10
: a public square : plaza
11
: a small street or court
12
: second place at the finish (as of a horse race)
— in place
1
also into place a : in an original or proper position b : established, instituted, or operational <systems in place>
2
: in the same spot without forward or backward movement <run in place>
— in place of
: as a substitute or replacement for : instead of
— out of place
1
: not in the proper or usual location
2
See place defined for English-language learners
See place defined for kids
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Origin of PLACE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, open space, from Latin platea broad street, from Greek plateia (hodos), from feminine of platys broad, flat; akin to Sanskrit pṛthu broad, Latin planta sole of the foot
Related to PLACE
2place
verb
: to put (something or someone) in a particular place or position
: to put (someone or something) in a particular state, condition, or situation
—used to say who or what you believe should be trusted, blamed, etc.
placedplac·ing
Full Definition of PLACE
transitive verb
1
a : to put in or as if in a particular place or position : set b : to present for consideration <a question placed before the group> c : to put in a particular state <place a performer under contract> d : to direct to a desired spot e : to cause (the voice) to produce free and well resonated singing or speaking tones
2
3
: to distribute in an orderly manner : arrange
4
: to appoint to a position
5
: to find a place (as a home or employment) for
6
a : to give (an order) to a supplier b : to give an order for <place a bet> c : to try to establish a connection for <place a telephone call>
intransitive verb
: to earn a given spot in a competition; specifically : to come in second (as in a horse race)
— place·able \ˈplā-sə-bəl\ adjective
See place defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PLACE
15th century
PLACE[1] Defined for Kids
1place
noun \ˈplās\
Definition of PLACE for Kids
1
: an available seat or space : room <Let's make a place for the newcomer.> <There's no place to sit.>
2
: a region or space not specified <There's dust all over the place.>
3
: a particular portion of a surface : spot
4
: a point in a speech or a piece of writing <I lost my place.>
5
: a building or area used for a special purpose <a place of worship>
6
: a certain area or region of the world <It's a nice place to visit.>
7
: a piece of land with a house on it <We own a place in the country.>
8
: position in a scale or series in comparison with another or others <I finished the race in second place.>
9
: usual space or use <Paper towels can take the place of linen.>
10
: the position of a figure in a numeral <The number 128 has three places.>
11
: a public square
12
: a short street
2place
verb
placedplac·ing
Definition of PLACE for Kids
1
: to put in or as if in a certain space or position <Place the book on my desk.> <They place great importance on teamwork.>
2
: to give an order for <I'd like to place an ad in the paper.>
3
: to appoint to a job or find a job for <He was placed in command.>
4
: to identify by connecting with a certain time, place, or happening <I couldn't quite place her face.>
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