penny arcade

American  

noun

1. an amusement hall or area that contains coin-operated entertainment devices, originally operated for a penny a play.

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penny arcade British  

noun

1. a public place with various coin-operated machines for entertainment; amusement arcade

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Etymology

Origin of penny arcade

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

They remembered how the team had arrived early for its game against the Knicks in Hershey, and how some of the players occupied themselves at a nearby penny arcade.

From New York Times • Mar. 2, 2022

The Nag's Head is also filled with dozens of toys, penny arcade machines, posters and photos - and the current landlord's collection of military memorabilia.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2017

It boasted a carousel, a penny arcade, a billiard hall, a restaurant, and a 5- and 10-cent theater.

From Washington Post • Oct. 17, 2015

The most intriguing element is the machine, which looks like a castoff from a penny arcade.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2015

Sometimes Mama would stop and look at the pictures outside the Apollo Theater, and sometimes, for a special treat, we would stop in the penny arcade.

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers