arcade

[ahr-keyd]

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.

verb (used with object)

arcaded, arcading 

1. to provide with an arcade.

arcade

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of arcade¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of arcade¹

C18: from French, from Italian arcata, from arco, from Latin arcus bow, arch

Example Sentences

Dance Dance Revolution is a Japanese video game series which was first released to arcades in 1998.

Read more on BBC

“There are also pinball machines and arcade games, which may be as fun for you as they are for your kids.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

We step back out into the cool night, amble back to the center and take a seat in front of the arcade at Café Iruña.

Read more on Salon

If you’re still in the mood for partying once the cocktail den closes at 1 a.m., then walk across the street to EightyTwo, an arcade bar with dozens of pinball machines and classic video games.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It helps that the industry’s newest and biggest ships promise onboard thrills such as virtual reality arcade games, racing waterslides and roller coasters.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gallery 
• mall 
• walkway