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

The Villa full-back was two yards inside the penalty area when he was penalised for a handball, but Kavanagh and Greenhalgh decided the offence was a yard outside the area and awarded a free-kick - from which Newcastle's Sandro Tonali scored the 63rd-minute equaliser.

From BBC

The Villa full-back was at least a yard inside the penalty area when he was penalised for a handball, but incredibly Kavanagh awarded a free-kick - from which Tonali eventually scored the 63rd-minute equaliser.

From BBC

Did Digne handle in the penalty area?

From BBC

At no point was Digne outside the penalty area.

From BBC

Against Tottenham, Mainoo created Bryan Mbeumo's opener with a deft pass to the edge of the penalty area with the inside of his right foot after dashing across the goal to meet Bruno Fernandes' short corner.

From BBC