arcade
|ar-cade|
🇺🇸
/ɑrˈkeɪd/
🇬🇧
/ɑːˈkeɪd/
series of arches / covered passage
Etymology
'arcade' originates from French, specifically the word 'arcade', ultimately from Italian 'arcata' and Latin 'arcus', where 'arcus' meant 'bow' or 'arch'.
'arcus' in Latin gave rise to Italian 'arcata' and French 'arcade'; the French form was borrowed into English as 'arcade', carrying the architectural sense.
Initially it referred specifically to an arch or series of arches; over time it expanded to mean a covered passage lined with shops and later a place for coin-operated amusements (video/game arcade).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a series of arches supported by columns or piers, often forming a covered passage or walkway attached to a building.
The cathedral's outer wall featured a marble arcade with carved capitals.
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Noun 2
a covered passage or street lined with shops; a shopping arcade (especially British usage).
We walked down the shopping arcade and stopped at a cafe.
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Noun 3
a place containing coin-operated entertainment machines and video games; an amusement or video arcade.
When we were kids we used to spend hours at the local arcade.
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Last updated: 2025/08/21 15:24