penalty area

American  

noun

Soccer.

1. the area, 44 yards (40 meters) wide and 18 yards (16 meters) deep, centered on the goal line and extending in front of the goal, where a foul by a defensive player results in a penalty kick for the offensive team.

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penalty area British  

noun

1. soccer a rectangular area in front of the goal, within which the goalkeeper may handle the ball and within which a penalty is awarded for a foul by the defending team

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Etymology

Origin of penalty area

First recorded in 1900–05

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

penalty area

Given tons of time and space just outside the penalty area, she settled a short pass from Sentnor, then patiently chipped forward a right-footed shot that Boston defender Deja Davis inadvertently headed into the net.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026

Bradley Barcola delivered a cross into the Arsenal penalty area, with Liverpool striker Alexander Isak seemingly ready to nod home an equaliser.

From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026

They took 38 minutes to touch the ball in Slovenia's penalty area.

From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026

It was the first time an Everton player had scored from outside the penalty area on their Premier League debut.

From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2026

A Kinnow defender took Maya down in the penalty area, and he blew the whistle right away.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor

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