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

While the ad for the in-universe furniture store Cap’n Clark’s Ottoman Empire plays, a phone number with a South Bay area code flashes in a supertitle.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

I happen to live and work in Melbourne, Fla. Our area code is 321 — like a countdown.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

He and his negotiators frequently claim to be from the same state as their clients to simplify conversations—even adopting local accents at times—but some sales representatives notice the area code doesn’t match.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

Her number had a 424 area code, or Los Angeles.

From Slate • Aug. 4, 2025

A 212 area code, an address on 53rd Street.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng