area code

noun

: a usually 3-digit number that identifies a particular telephone service area in a country (such as the U.S. or Canada)

Examples of area code in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Later that day, someone called from a Google Voice number with a Los Angeles area code. —Scott Yorko, Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2024

Ludacris is drinking water from different area codes. —Jack Irvin, People.com, 30 Sep. 2024

For instance, someone based in Los Angeles who has a cell phone number with a New York area code would be routed to a crisis call center in New York. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 25 Sep. 2024

Major cell phone carriers are starting to use a technology that will route 988 callers and texters to help centers based on their physical location rather than their phone number’s area code, the Department of Health and Human Services announced today. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

area code

noun

: a usually three-digit number that represents each telephone service area in a country (as the U.S. or Canada)