arcade

noun

ar·​cade är-ˈkād How to pronounce arcade (audio)
plural arcades
Synonyms of arcadenext
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.
Through his characters’ exploits, Ellis depicts two LAs—the teenage universe of mall food courts, movie theaters, and arcades, and the power lunch spots that underscore their precociousness. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 30 July 2026 One of the night’s few bright spots was rookie Bryce Eldridge, who turned on an inside fastball and sent a two-run shot into the right-field arcade for his 11th home run of the season. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 29 July 2026 Malls that mix stores with food, drinks, and activities like arcades and laser tag give young shoppers a backdrop to spend hours together while chasing the latest fashion finds. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026 Donkey Kong, first published in 1981, was Nintendo's first major hit outside of Japan and is considered one of the key titles of arcade gaming's golden era. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 26 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing arcade

Rhymes for arcade

See All Rhymes for arcade

Browse Nearby Words

Arcacea
arcade
arcaded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arcade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arcade. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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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
: dental arch

More from Merriam-Webster on arcade

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for arcade

Nglish: Translation of arcade for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arcade

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