penny arcade

American  

noun

1. an amusement hall or area that contains coin-operated entertainment devices, originally operated for a penny a play.

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penny arcade British  

noun

1. a public place with various coin-operated machines for entertainment; amusement arcade

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Etymology

Origin of penny arcade

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

He described a day that began at the Asian Art Museum, moved on to Fisherman’s Wharf where they played games in a penny arcade and admired the sea lions, then to Pier 39.

From New York Times • Jul. 9, 2021

The Nag's Head is also filled with dozens of toys, penny arcade machines, posters and photos - and the current landlord's collection of military memorabilia.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2017

It boasted a carousel, a penny arcade, a billiard hall, a restaurant, and a 5- and 10-cent theater.

From Washington Post • Oct. 17, 2015

The most intriguing element is the machine, which looks like a castoff from a penny arcade.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2015

Sometimes Mama would stop and look at the pictures outside the Apollo Theater, and sometimes, for a special treat, we would stop in the penny arcade.

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers