arcade

noun

ar·​cade är-ˈkād How to pronounce arcade (audio)
plural arcades
Synonyms of arcade
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.
Bounded by Washington Street, State Street, Randolph Street and Dearborn Street, Block 37 once sported a hodgepodge of vintage buildings housing theaters, arcades and wig shops, among other businesses. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 Its mini golf and arcade areas will continue to welcome guests. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 At the Whanot Liveplex, shoppers and fans can expect specialty shops, an arcade, exclusive product drops, and live programming from sellers, creators, and celebrity guests. — Angel Diaz, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026 The Business Journal reported last month that the virtual reality arcade had filed plans for a Galleria location. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about arcade

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