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map

n. · v.
US //ˈmæp// UK //mˈæp// map
  1. 1 geographical drawing (n.)
    A1 Beginner Travel

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The hikers consulted a topographical map to identify the steepest gradients before beginning their ascent of the ridge.
  2. 2 gaming area (n.)
    A2 Elementary Informal Computing

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The latest patch introduced a sprawling urban map designed specifically for long-range tactical engagements.
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  1. 3 mathematical function (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Academic Math

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The linear map preserves the operations of vector addition and scalar multiplication across the entire vector space.
  2. 4 to create a map (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The expedition spent three months attempting to map the uncharted cave system using advanced laser scanning technology.
  3. 5 to connect or correspond (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The researchers attempted to map specific brain activities to the emotional responses reported by the participants during the study.
  4. 6 to plan in detail (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The architect sat down to map out the project timeline, ensuring that each phase of construction accounted for potential weather delays.
Idioms1 entry

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