areaway
|are-a-way|
🇺🇸
/ˈɛəriweɪ/
🇬🇧
/ˈeə.rə.weɪ/
open recessed space beside a building
Etymology
'areaway' originates from English as a compound of 'area' and 'way'; 'area' ultimately comes from Latin 'area' meaning 'open space' and 'way' from Old English 'weg' meaning 'path' or 'road'.
'areaway' was formed in English as a compound (area + way) to describe a passage or open space beside a building; 'area' entered English from Latin (via Old French in some uses) and 'way' comes from Old English 'weg', and together they produced the modern compound 'areaway' in English usage.
Originally the elements meant 'open space' (area) and 'path' (way); over time the compound came to refer specifically to the architectural feature—a sunken or recessed space beside a building used for light, ventilation, or access.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a sunken open space or passage beside a building that provides light, ventilation, and access to a basement or cellar; a light well or recessed area next to an exterior wall.
They installed a small garden in the areaway to bring more light into the basement.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/10 10:40