area code

American  

noun

1. a three-digit code that identifies one of the telephone areas into which the U.S. and certain other countries are divided and that precedes the local telephone number when dialing a call between areas.

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area code British  

noun

1. a number prefixed to an individual telephone number: used in making long-distance calls

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Etymology

Origin of area code

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Elected officials urged residents to join patrols, such as Defend the 612, a group named for a local area code.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

One of the members of our group chat, with a 571 area code, had the good sense to leave the conversation immediately.

From Slate • Aug. 4, 2025

Nine of the 16 losses came in Toronto and the surrounding "905" - places that all share the same area code.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2025

The area’s relentless growth forced regulators to split the iconic 213 area code again and again, starting a mere four years after its introduction in 1947.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2024

Also relevant: the area code was not local.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows