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

There was a phone number with a Virginia area code that she could call—but only in the case of dire emergency.

From Literature

Other area codes must settle for a tastefully decorated ranch far beyond New York’s city limits, like the one Nathan Lane’s Bunny Schneiderman shares with his mother in Palm Springs on “Mid-Century Modern.”

From Salon

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

From BBC

Staffers speculated whether the alert was related to a nascent fire in West Hills, until a reporter with a 310 area code number said she’d also received the alert.

From Los Angeles Times

Metro officials have said they believe the scammers have been targeting individuals through various area codes and have been hitting FasTrak drivers and non-users alike.

From Los Angeles Times