arcade

American  

[ahr-keyd] / ɑrˈkeɪd /

noun

1. Architecture.

   1. a series of arches supported on piers or columns.

   2. an arched, roofed-in gallery.

2. an arched or covered passageway, usually with shops on each side.

3. an establishment, public area, etc., containing games of a mechanical and electronic type, as pinball and video games, that can be played by a customer for a fee.

4. an ornamental carving, as on a piece of furniture, in the form of a row of arches.

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verb (used with object)

arcaded, arcading

1. to provide with an arcade.

arcade British  

/ ɑːˈkeɪd /

noun

1. a set of arches and their supporting columns

2. a covered and sometimes arched passageway, usually with shops on one or both sides

3. a building, or part of a building, with an arched roof

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Etymology

Origin of arcade

First recorded in 1725–35; from French, from Italian arcata “arch,” equivalent to arc(o) “arch” + -ata; arc -ate ¹

Example Sentences

His arcade version of “Donkey Kong,” the author explains, revolutionized gaming for one reason: It made its protagonist—Mario, in his debut—jump realistically.

From The Wall Street Journal

Meanwhile, the shopping mall evolved from a place to buy things into a destination for all kinds of family entertainment, often boasting large food courts, multiplex theaters, indoor playgrounds, video arcades and more.

From The Wall Street Journal

The AI demonstration by Alibaba Cloud is a futuristic version of those arcade games where you maneuver a metal claw to grab a stuffed animal.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of water parks and arcades there are private spas and secluded pools.

From The Wall Street Journal

We had a wonderful time, strolling through the aisles and playing the vintage arcade games.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gallery
• mall
• walkway