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

Example Sentences

Bentancur celebrated winning a first-half foul after some superb defence in his own penalty area with a clenched fist before receiving a hug from Kevin Danso.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

Before the half was done they had 74% possession, 13 shots, 29 touches in Hibs' penalty area - their hosts had two - and 21 crosses to Hibs' one.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Kovacs was also criticised by Barca after he and video assistant referee Christian Dingert allowed play to continue when Atletico defender Marc Pubill handled the ball in his own penalty area.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Lampard wasn't as subtle as those three but his intelligence and timing to run into the penalty area and get on the end of things was the best out of any midfield player.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Gino can drive the ball harder than anyone I have ever seen, on a straight line, from outside the penalty area.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor