English Reference

Word

map

US/ˈmæp/

UK/mˈæp/

Definitions

01geographical drawing

A1 · Beginner Countable noun Travel

n. a drawing of a particular area, such as a city, a country, or the whole world, showing where things are.

n. a visual representation of a geographical area, typically showing physical features, cities, and roads.

“We used a paper map to find our way through the small mountain village.”

“The hikers consulted a topographical map to identify the steepest gradients before beginning their ascent of the ridge.”

Synonyms

02gaming area

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Computing Informal

n. the specific area or world where a video game takes place.

n. a predefined and confined virtual environment where a game session occurs.

“My favorite map in this game is the one with the snowy forest.”

“The latest patch introduced a sprawling urban map designed specifically for long-range tactical engagements.”

Synonyms

03mathematical function

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Mathematics Technical · Academic

n. a rule that connects every element in one group to an element in another group.

n. a function that associates each element of a given set with an element of another set.

“The teacher explained how this map links the two sets of numbers.”

“The linear map preserves the operations of vector addition and scalar multiplication across the entire vector space.”

04to create a map

B1 · Intermediate Science

v. to make a map of an area by studying it carefully.

v. to represent an area or its features by means of a map; to survey for the purpose of map creation.

“Scientists are working to map the floor of the deep ocean.”

“The expedition spent three months attempting to map the uncharted cave system using advanced laser scanning technology.”

Synonyms

05to connect or correspond

B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic

v. to show how one thing is connected to or matches another thing.

v. to establish a logical correspondence or relationship between two sets of data or concepts.

“The software helps map your old files to the new system.”

“The researchers attempted to map specific brain activities to the emotional responses reported by the participants during the study.”

Antonyms

06to plan in detail

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to plan something carefully, often using the phrase 'map out'.

v. to plan or delineate a course of action in detail. Often used as a phrasal verb 'map out'.

“We need to map out our strategy for the next three years.”

“The architect sat down to map out the project timeline, ensuring that each phase of construction accounted for potential weather delays.”

Word family

NOUN

Related words

Idioms

Domains

AviationComputingMathematicsMedicineMilitaryTravel

This entry

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
Common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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