Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

locale

American  
[loh-kal, -kahl] / loʊˈkæl, -ˈkɑl /

noun

  1. a place or locality, especially with reference to events or circumstances connected with it.

    to move to a warmer locale.
    Synonyms:
    spot, site, location

  2. the scene or setting, as of a novel, play, or motion picture.

    The locale is a small Kansas town just before World War I.
locale British  
/ ləʊˈkɑːl /

noun

  1. a place or area, esp with reference to events connected with it

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of locale

1765–75; alteration of earlier local < French: noun use of the adj. See local

Explanation

A locale is the specific place where something happens. If you dream of a trip to some tropical locale, Hawaii, Belize, and Costa Rica might all be on your wish list. When you choose a locale for a big sci-fi convention, you need to make sure there's enough room for all the participants. And when you decide on a locale for an intimate party, you might stick to a cozy spot like your own living room. Locale comes from the French local, and it was originally spelled the same way. The e was eventually added to encourage correct pronunciation, with the emphasis on the last syllable.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing locale

Ghost Squad

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Listen, Slowly

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Americanized

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Unlike other festivals that set up shop in a hot, scenic locale to showcase performers from other places around the world, Mojave Experience has a more authentic vibe.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Fortunately, his North Carolina home is the perfect locale for a “semi” retirement, providing a relaxing and calm sanctuary that was designed to optimize lake views from nearly every room.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 20, 2025

During its last major preview weekend in May at its old locale, the house said only 1,500 people stopped by.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

She expects the singer to opt for a private estate - perhaps a locale similar to Kelce's home where he popped the question - over a hotel or typical wedding venue.

From BBC • Aug. 29, 2025

At one locale in the American Southwest is a set of three upright slabs which were moved from their original position about 1,000 years ago.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.