Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

surface area

American  
[sur-fis air-ee-uh] / ˈsɜr fɪs ˌɛər i ə /

noun

  1. the total space occupied by all surfaces or faces of an object.


Etymology

Origin of surface area

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It said the total area corresponded to "only 0.18 percent of Turkey's surface area", denouncing efforts to "tarnish the mining sector".

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Children also have higher respiratory rates than adults, as well as larger lung surface area relative to their body size, resulting in higher doses of pollution per breath.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Small meatballs cook faster, yes, but more importantly, they offer more browning surface area.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

Little said that many "basic frauds" are still effective, but fraudsters will "use systems to increase the surface area of their attack".

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

That means I need more surface area for farming, and more water to hydrate the soil.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "surface area" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com