arcade

/ɑrˈkeɪd/

/ɑˈkeɪd/

Other forms: arcades

An arcade is a structure made by enclosing a series of arches and columns. The word's roots go back to the Latin word "arcus," which means arc or bow.

An arched, covered passageway with shops or stalls on the sides is also called an arcade and was a precursor to the shopping mall. The Burlington Arcade in London opened in 1819 and was the first shopping arcade of its kind in Britain. It still exists and is the longest covered shopping street in England. As more of these shopping arcades opened, they also began offering games and eventually the word's meaning came to include video arcades, where you can play coin-operated games.

Definitions of arcade

1. noun

   a structure composed of a series of arches supported by columns
   synonyms: colonnade

   types:

   loggia

   a roofed arcade or gallery with open sides stretching along the front or side of a building; often at an upper level

   type of:

   construction, structure

   a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts
2. noun

   a covered passageway with shops and stalls on either side
   types:

   amusement arcade

   an arcade featuring coin-operated game machines

   penny arcade

   an arcade with coin-operated devices for entertainment

   type of:

   passageway

   a passage between rooms or between buildings