pla·za 
(pläzə, plăzə)
(pläzə, plăzə)n.
1. A public square or similar open area in a town or city.
2.
a. A widened roadway forming the approach to tollbooths on a highway.
b. A parking or service area next to a highway.
3. A shopping center.
[Spanish, from Vulgar Latin *plattea, from Latin platea, broad street; see PLACE.]