arcade

noun

ar·​cade är-ˈkād How to pronounce arcade (audio)
plural arcades
1
: a long arched building or gallery
2
a
: an arched covered passageway or avenue (as between shops)
b
chiefly British : a building that includes many shops
A job fair … today will introduce locals to the details of the 250 jobs that a new shopping arcade will bring when its doors open this autumn.The Journal (Newcastle, England)
3
: a series of arches with their columns or piers
4
: an amusement center having coin-operated games

Examples of arcade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other things like bowling alleys and arcades are being included in movie theaters. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 Sep. 2025 Investments range from costlier new building of entertainment centers that combine multi-screen theaters with activities from axe throwing to bowling to arcades; reopening and revamping closed cinemas; new digital projectors, movie screens, sound systems and seats in auditoriums. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025 If Bailey was an unlikely hitting hero when his fluky drive off the brick arcade beat the Phillies, then his iconic turn Friday night bordered on ridiculousness. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025 Guests will receive one free game of bowling, complimentary snacks while supplies last and a $10 arcade card. Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for arcade

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian arcata, from arco arch, from Latin arcus

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of arcade was in 1685

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arcade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arcade. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

arcade

noun
ar·​cade är-ˈkād How to pronounce arcade (audio)
1
: a row of arches with the columns that support them
2
: an arched or covered passageway (as between shops)
3
: a place with many games to be played by putting coins or tokens in them

Medical Definition

arcade

noun
ar·​cade är-ˈkād How to pronounce arcade (audio)
1
: an anatomical structure comprising a series of arches
2

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