arcade

American  

[ahr-keyd] / ɑrˈkeɪd /

noun

1. Architecture.

   1. a series of arches supported on piers or columns.

   2. an arched, roofed-in gallery.

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.

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verb (used with object)

arcaded, arcading

1. to provide with an arcade.

arcade British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of arcade

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

Explanation

An arcade is a structure made by enclosing a series of arches and columns. The word's roots go back to the Latin word "arcus," which means arc or bow. An arched, covered passageway with shops or stalls on the sides is also called an arcade and was a precursor to the shopping mall. The Burlington Arcade in London opened in 1819 and was the first shopping arcade of its kind in Britain. It still exists and is the longest covered shopping street in England. As more of these shopping arcades opened, they also began offering games and eventually the word's meaning came to include video arcades, where you can play coin-operated games.

Example Sentences

We had a wonderful time, strolling through the aisles and playing the vintage arcade games.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2026

Our one-to-watch is Raccoin - a score attack game inspired by arcade coin-pusher machines.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

"Crane games are keeping the sector afloat," said Morihiro Shigihara, an industry expert and former arcade manager.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

Disney has previously shared that this latest storyline will allow for additional levels of interactivity in the ride, which is already something of a full-size, walk-in arcade game.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025

Then he turned and dragged Darryl off toward the arcade.

From "Trouble at the Arcade (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #1)" by Franklin W. Dixon

Related Words

• gallery
• mall
• walkway