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 head of Chile's National Electricity Coordinator (CEN), Ernesto Huber, said there was still no time frame to restore electricity across the country, adding areas in the north and south had started to regain power.
—
Fabian Cambero and Alexander Villegas, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
These changes were largely driven by territorial disputes as the United States expanded westward, with areas shifting between different territories and future states.
—Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
But a new study found coyotes were less inclined to seek out higher-income areas in their home ranges, preferring to stick to less-wealthy parts, surprising researchers.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
About 5% of the units will be reserved for those making 80% of the area median income or less.
—Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
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.
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Fabian Cambero and Alexander Villegas, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
These changes were largely driven by territorial disputes as the United States expanded westward, with areas shifting between different territories and future states.
—Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
But a new study found coyotes were less inclined to seek out higher-income areas in their home ranges, preferring to stick to less-wealthy parts, surprising researchers.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
About 5% of the units will be reserved for those making 80% of the area median income or less.
—Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for area
Cite this Entry
“Area.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/area. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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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