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
The handcuffed teenager was buckled into the front seat of Truong’s patrol vehicle because there was not a caged holding area for detainees in the back seat of that particular vehicle.
—
Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Read Next: What Do Black Bears Eat? Black bears can quickly grow accustomed to a recurring food source in a particular area.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Armed with that information, off-roading is a lot less likely to be marred by choking, toxic smoke that comes along with dangerous levels of combustion if users know which areas to avoid.
—Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
The shooting happened about 2:35 p.m. Wednesday in the area of 71st Avenue and Hamilton Street, a mostly residential area.
—Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for area 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Read Next: What Do Black Bears Eat? Black bears can quickly grow accustomed to a recurring food source in a particular area.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Armed with that information, off-roading is a lot less likely to be marred by choking, toxic smoke that comes along with dangerous levels of combustion if users know which areas to avoid.
—Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
The shooting happened about 2:35 p.m. Wednesday in the area of 71st Avenue and Hamilton Street, a mostly residential area.
—Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for area
Dictionary Entries Near area
Cite this Entry
“Area.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/area. Accessed 1 Dec. 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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