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noun ar·ea \ˈer-ē-ə, ˈā-rē-ə\

Simple Definition of area

  • : a part or section within a larger place

  • : a section of space within a building, room, etc.


Full Definition of area

  1. 1 :  a level piece of ground

  2. 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. 3 :  the scope of a concept, operation, or activity :  field <the whole area of foreign policy>

  4. 4 :  areaway

  5. 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. 6 :  a part of the cerebral cortex having a particular function

ar·e·alplay \-ē-əl\ adjective
ar·e·al·lyplay \-ə-lē\ adverb

Examples of area

  1. Settlers came to this area from the east.

  2. The group visited the area during a hunting trip.

  3. in the area surrounding the lake

  4. The storm caused damage in many areas along the coast.

  5. a bird found only in remote areas of the U.S.

  6. in many areas of the world

  7. He is the metropolitan area's most popular politician.

  8. He lived in an unfashionable area of the city.

  9. She set aside a work area in the kitchen.

  10. The dining area has extra windows.

Origin of area


First Known Use: 1538

Other Weights and Measures Terms

Rhymes with area

AREA Defined for Kids


noun ar·ea \ˈer-ē-ə\

Definition of area

  1. 1 :  region 1 <a farming area>

  2. 2 :  the amount of surface included within limits <the area of a triangle>

  3. 3 :  a part of the surface of something

  4. 4 :  a field of activity or study <the area of medicine>

Medical Dictionary


noun ar·ea \ˈar-ē-ə, ˈer-\

Medical Definition of area


Seen and Heard



February 12, 2016

of, relating to, or suggestive of marble

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