plaza

noun

pla·​za ˈplä-zə  ˈpla- 

1

a

: a public square in a city or town

b

: an open area usually located near urban buildings and often featuring walkways, trees and shrubs, places to sit, and sometimes shops

2

: a place on a thoroughfare (such as a turnpike) at which all traffic must temporarily stop (as to pay tolls)

3

: an area adjacent to an expressway which has service facilities (such as a restaurant, gas station, and restrooms)

4

: shopping center

Examples of plaza in a Sentence

They put his statue in the town's plaza.

Recent Examples on the Web

Today host Hoda Kotb began her last week on the show with a big Hokie surprise: Dozens of sorority sisters came from across the country to meet her on the plaza. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2025

Four people had been fatally shot in ten weeks in the plaza at 8700 Blue Ridge Boulevard at the time of the killing. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Jan. 2025

On a festive Saturday at the museum, where visitors were greeted by Motown Christmas songs on the plaza, Flint fan Brown arrived for a song’s 60th birthday party — and left with something fresh. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 21 Dec. 2024

The Mexican neighbors who live near the plaza have grown frustrated. —Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Latin platea broad street — more at place

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing plaza

• toll plaza

Kids Definition

plaza

noun

pla·​za ˈplaz-ə  ˈpläz- 

: a public square in a city or town