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
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
Some display areas are closed off for repairs, and big niches that once held priceless artworks are starkly blank.
—
Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2024
The crossing project, with structures at areas identified where animals are likely to cross, spans 15 miles of I-90 near the Snoqualmie Pass in Washington, flanked by large chunks of what's primarily national forest land – habitat for all sorts of creatures great and small.
—Conor Knighton, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2024
The Los Angeles area is of course on the itinerary.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2024
Empty areas completely surrounded by the shapes are called holes.
—Lyndie Chiou, WIRED, 21 Apr. 2024
In a sad twist, the area where the tragedy unfolded has long been a place to enjoy life.
—Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 21 Apr. 2024
The recall of a Miami area company’s Colombian organic herbs linked to a salmonella outbreak has expanded from just Trader Joe’s stores across the country to a Midwestern grocery chain.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2024
Create collaborative efforts across a wide number of areas.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2024
Other can’t-miss points of interest include the area’s many waterfalls and The Bascom, which hosts art exhibitions, lectures, and various classes and workshops.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2024
Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2024
The crossing project, with structures at areas identified where animals are likely to cross, spans 15 miles of I-90 near the Snoqualmie Pass in Washington, flanked by large chunks of what's primarily national forest land – habitat for all sorts of creatures great and small.
—Conor Knighton, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2024
The Los Angeles area is of course on the itinerary.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2024
Empty areas completely surrounded by the shapes are called holes.
—Lyndie Chiou, WIRED, 21 Apr. 2024
In a sad twist, the area where the tragedy unfolded has long been a place to enjoy life.
—Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 21 Apr. 2024
The recall of a Miami area company’s Colombian organic herbs linked to a salmonella outbreak has expanded from just Trader Joe’s stores across the country to a Midwestern grocery chain.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2024
Create collaborative efforts across a wide number of areas.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2024
Other can’t-miss points of interest include the area’s many waterfalls and The Bascom, which hosts art exhibitions, lectures, and various classes and workshops.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'area.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near area
Cite this Entry
“Area.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/area. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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