# map

/ˈmæp/ (US) · /mˈæp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/map
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. geographical drawing

noun · CEFR A1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. gaming area

noun · CEFR A2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. mathematical function

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to create a map

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to connect or correspond

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

For teachers: 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.

### 6. to plan in detail

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I need a map to find the museum.
- The hikers checked their paper map frequently to ensure they were still on the correct trail through the forest.
- Modern digital navigation systems have largely replaced physical maps, yet the underlying cartographic principles remain essential for accurate spatial orientation in unfamiliar environments.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.