penalty area

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.

penalty area

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of penalty area¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Spirit sub Dorian Bailey smashed an 18-yard bid off the crossbar after Sanchez and Rodman created danger deep in the penalty area.

From Washington Post

Nyeman was clever with the ball at the top of the penalty area before supplying Pérez.

From Washington Post

She supplied Rodman on the right side of the penalty area for a cross that Sanchez one-timed into the low left corner from seven yards.

From Washington Post

Inside the penalty area, he’s always putting both hands behind his back.

From FiveThirtyEight

The new rules and their sudden enforcement have required defenders to change the way they approach the game when they’re inside their own penalty area.

From FiveThirtyEight