area

Less common meanings

5. 5
   penalty boxnouncountable

   The marked box in front of the goal in soccer, where a foul gives a penalty kick.

   The defender pushed him inside the area, so the referee gave a penalty.

   Our goalkeeper ran out of the area to kick the ball away.

   UsageSay in the area or outside the area.

   Similarbox

   Note
6. 6
   private partsnounslangcountable

   An indirect, casual word for someone's private parts.

   The ball hit him right in the area, and he fell to the ground.

   These pants are way too tight in the area.

   UsageUsed as a joke, as in hit in the area; avoid it in serious writing.

   Similargroin, crotch

   Note
7. 7
   basement entrynounBritishcountable

   An open space below street level outside a house that leads to the basement, often with a fence around it.

   Steps from the street led down to the area outside the basement door.

   Behind the iron railings, a narrow area led down to the kitchen door.

   Similarareaway

   Note