arcade

[ ahr-keyd ]

noun

1. Architecture.
   1. a series of arches supported on piers or columns.
   2. an arched, roofed-in gallery. Compare colonnade.
2. an arched or covered passageway, usually with shops on each side.
3. an establishment, public area, etc., containing games of a mechanical and electronic type, as pinball and video games, that can be played by a customer for a fee.
4. an ornamental carving, as on a piece of furniture, in the form of a row of arches.

verb (used with object)

, ar·cad·ed, ar·cad·ing.

1. to provide with an arcade.

arcade

/ ɑːˈkeɪd /

noun

1. a set of arches and their supporting columns
2. a covered and sometimes arched passageway, usually with shops on one or both sides
3. a building, or part of a building, with an arched roof

Word History and Origins

Origin of arcade¹

First recorded in 1725–35; from French, from Italian arcata “arch,” equivalent to arc(o) “arch” + -ata; arc -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of arcade¹

C18: from French, from Italian arcata, from arco, from Latin arcus bow, arch

Example Sentences

On a recent morning, Im was at the park doing what he usually does: fussing over the arcade games and the safety equipment in the play areas.

From Los Angeles Times

The most common types of gambling young people spent money on were arcade gaming machines and placing a bet or playing cards with friends and family for money, the report said.

From BBC

In mid Wales, Aberystwyth Royal Pier in Ceredigion attracts both amusement arcade enthusiasts and roosting starlings who draw crowds when they flock to create magnificent murmurations.

From BBC

The sounds of laser guns from the nearby arcade join the predictable arc of the Ferris wheel in something that feels between nostalgic and therapeutic.

From Los Angeles Times

Hong Eunchae, the youngest member of K-Pop band Le Sserafim, is strutting through Seoul's infamous Nakwon Instrument Arcade when she suddenly loses her footing.

From BBC

Related Words

• gallery
• mall
• walkway