Definitions
01geographic region
A1 · Beginner Countable noun
n. a particular part of a town, country, or building.
n. a specific geographic region or a distinct part of a larger physical space.
“There are several nice parks in this area of the city.”
“The local government is investing heavily in this industrial area to attract new technology companies and create sustainable jobs.”
02subject or field
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Academic
n. a particular subject or part of a situation.
n. a specific field of activity, study, or interest; a conceptual scope.
“Finance is an area where she has a lot of experience.”
“The research paper identifies several areas where further investigation is required to understand the long-term effects of the policy.”
03mathematical measurement
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Mathematics Academic
n. the size of a flat surface, measured in square units like square meters.
n. the two-dimensional extent of a surface, calculated as a product of dimensions and expressed in square units.
“To find the area of the room, multiply the length by the width.”
“The architect calculated the total floor area to ensure the building design complied with local density regulations.”
Synonyms
04empty space
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a space used for a specific purpose, like a play area or parking area.
n. a physical space designated for a specific function or an unused extent of surface.
“The hotel has a small play area for children near the pool.”
“The designated smoking area was moved further away from the main entrance to improve air quality for arriving guests.”
05football penalty box
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports British English
n. the rectangular box in front of the goal in football.
n. the penalty area in association football where the goalkeeper may handle the ball.
“The striker was fouled inside the area, so the referee gave a penalty.”
“The defender's mistimed tackle inside the area resulted in a crucial penalty during the final minutes of the match.”
Synonyms
06basement space
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Architecture British English · Formal
n. a small sunken space in front of a house that leads to the basement.
n. a sunken courtyard or open space providing light and access to the basement of a building.
“She kept her bicycle in the area below the front steps.”
“The traditional London townhouse featured a narrow area protected by wrought-iron railings, allowing natural light into the lower ground floor.”
Usage
Often used in the context of terraced housing or townhouses.
Synonyms
07genitals
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · Slang
n. a polite or indirect way to talk about someone's private parts.
n. a euphemistic reference to the pelvic region or genitalia.
“He felt a sharp pain in his groin area after lifting the heavy box.”
“The athlete suffered a strain in the pelvic area, forcing him to withdraw from the upcoming competition.”
Teaching tip
This is a common euphemism in medical or casual contexts to avoid using anatomical terms.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “area” in context.
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin ārea.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. grey area
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/area
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0