place
1 of 2noun
ˈplās 
plural places
1
a
: physical environment : space
b
: a way for admission or transit
c
: physical surroundings : atmosphere
2
a
: an indefinite region or expanse
all over the place
b
: a building or locality used for a special purpose
a place of learning
a fine eating place
c
archaic : the three-dimensional compass of a material object
3
a
: a particular region, center of population, or location
a nice place to visit
b
: a building, part of a building, or area occupied as a home
our summer place
4
: a particular part of a surface or body : spot
5
: relative position in a scale or series: such as
a
: position in a social scale
kept them in their place
b
: a step in a sequence
in the first place, it's none of your business
c
: a position at the conclusion of a competition
finished in last place
6
a
: a proper or designated niche or setting
the place of education in society
b
: an appropriate moment or point
this is not the place to discuss compensation—
Robert Moses
Robert Moses c
: a distinct condition, position, or state of mind
the postfeminist generation is in a different place—Betty Friedan
Betty Friedan7
a
: an available seat or accommodation
needs a place to stay
b
: an empty or vacated position
new ones will take their place
8
: the position of a figure in relation to others of a row or series
especially : the position of a digit within a numeral
9
a
: remunerative employment : job
b
: prestige accorded to one of high rank : status
an endless quest for preferment and place—Time
Time10
: a public square : plaza
11
: a small street or court
12
: second place at the finish (as of a horse race)
see also take place
place
2 of 2verb
placed; placing
transitive verb
1
a
: to put in or as if in a particular place or position : set
b
: to present for consideration
a question placed before the group
c
: to put in a particular state
place a performer under contract
d
: to direct to a desired spot
e
: to cause (the voice) to produce free and well resonated singing or speaking tones
2
a
: to assign to a position in a series or category : rank
b
: estimate
placed the value of the estate too high
c
: to identify by connecting with an associated context
couldn't quite place her face
police placed them at the crime scene
3
: to distribute in an orderly manner : arrange
4
: to appoint to a position
5
: to find a place (such as a home or employment) for
6
a
: to give (an order) to a supplier
b
: to give an order for
place a bet
c
: to try to establish a connection for
place a telephone call
intransitive verb
: to earn a given spot in a competition
specifically : to come in second (as in a horse race)
placeable
ˈplā-sə-bəl
adjective 
Synonyms
Noun
- emplacement
- locale
- locality
- location
- locus
- point
- position
- site
- spot
- venue
- where
Verb
- depose
- deposit
- dispose
- emplace
- fix
- lay
- position
- put
- set
- set up
- situate
- stick
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Noun New York City is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. I've heard it's a good place to raise children. places like Africa and South America the hottest place on earth churches and other places of worship You should plan to meet him in a public place. You've come to the right place. I have just what you need. They gave him a place to stay for the night. We're going to need a bigger place once the baby is born. He's looking to buy a place in the country. Verb The box was placed at the center of the room. You can really see the similarities when you place the two pictures side by side. Her name was placed on the list. The husbands and wives were placed in separate groups. They were placed next to each other in line. Working with sick people places him at risk for infection. By not accepting the prosecutor's deal, he places his future in the hands of the jury. We're placing you under arrest. He was released from jail and placed on probation. See More
Recent Examples on the WebMeagan Flynn, Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2023 Fallen leaves saved from autumn are fine fluffy insulation and can be left in place as mulch. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2023 The 57,000-square-foot center already has its foundations in place. —Molly Mcvety, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2023 Seedlings die and trees are cut down, often because there isn’t a plan in place to manage them for the long haul. —Justine Calma, The Verge, 10 Feb. 2023 The bands remain in place for a period of time, usually either through the funeral service or 30 days. —Ashley Luthern, Journal Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2023 Take Japan, which has been walking in place for two-plus decades. —William Pesek, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023 Both typically have a grippy underside or suction cups to keep them in place. —Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 10 Feb. 2023 Mike and his colleagues march in place, drop for pushups, flash their derrières, and do machine-gun gestures from their groins. —Lizzie Feidelson, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2023 Chris Ilenstine, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2023 How to: Start on the floor on your hands and knees and place your hands directly under your shoulders. —Women's Health, 11 Feb. 2023 Put 3 to 4 inches of potting soil mixed with vegetable fertilizer in the bottom and place the seed potatoes on top and cover with soil. —Jodi Bay, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2023 San Antonio police said that after a rash of thefts at the site near Southwest Loop 410 and Old Pearsall Road, the builder worked with SAPD to place tracking devices on valuable items. —Marc Duvoisin, San Antonio Express-News, 11 Feb. 2023 In the past, buying a newspaper or television ad usually involved calling up a representative who would manually review and place the ad. —Tiffany Hsu, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2023 One relatively new use involves a DraftKings Sportsbook, where up to 600 people can place wireless bets through their phones at the same time. —Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 11 Feb. 2023 That melted ice is going to drip, so be sure to place some dry rags and towels on and beneath the door to prevent big messes. —Alma Avalle, Bon Appétit, 10 Feb. 2023 Keep the top rail draped over the side of the tub and only place one blind into the water at a time. —Jodhaira Rodriguez, Good Housekeeping, 10 Feb. 2023 See More
Noun
But there are also federal tenants already in place, and the GSA did not immediately respond to a question about cost projections for relocating them and preparing the site. —Meagan Flynn, Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2023 Fallen leaves saved from autumn are fine fluffy insulation and can be left in place as mulch. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2023 The 57,000-square-foot center already has its foundations in place. —Molly Mcvety, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2023 Seedlings die and trees are cut down, often because there isn’t a plan in place to manage them for the long haul. —Justine Calma, The Verge, 10 Feb. 2023 The bands remain in place for a period of time, usually either through the funeral service or 30 days. —Ashley Luthern, Journal Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2023 Take Japan, which has been walking in place for two-plus decades. —William Pesek, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023 Both typically have a grippy underside or suction cups to keep them in place. —Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 10 Feb. 2023 Mike and his colleagues march in place, drop for pushups, flash their derrières, and do machine-gun gestures from their groins. —Lizzie Feidelson, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2023 Verb
Preview how to activate the No Sweat First Bet and how to place a wager on the Super Bowl using the new offer from FanDuel. —Chris Ilenstine, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2023 How to: Start on the floor on your hands and knees and place your hands directly under your shoulders. —Women's Health, 11 Feb. 2023 Put 3 to 4 inches of potting soil mixed with vegetable fertilizer in the bottom and place the seed potatoes on top and cover with soil. —Jodi Bay, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2023 San Antonio police said that after a rash of thefts at the site near Southwest Loop 410 and Old Pearsall Road, the builder worked with SAPD to place tracking devices on valuable items. —Marc Duvoisin, San Antonio Express-News, 11 Feb. 2023 In the past, buying a newspaper or television ad usually involved calling up a representative who would manually review and place the ad. —Tiffany Hsu, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2023 One relatively new use involves a DraftKings Sportsbook, where up to 600 people can place wireless bets through their phones at the same time. —Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 11 Feb. 2023 That melted ice is going to drip, so be sure to place some dry rags and towels on and beneath the door to prevent big messes. —Alma Avalle, Bon Appétit, 10 Feb. 2023 Keep the top rail draped over the side of the tub and only place one blind into the water at a time. —Jodhaira Rodriguez, Good Housekeeping, 10 Feb. 2023 See More Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, from Anglo-French, open space, from Latin platea broad street, from Greek plateia (hodos), from feminine of platys broad, flat; akin to Sanskrit pṛthu broad, Latin planta sole of the foot
First Known Use
Noun
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Phrases Containing place
Kids Definition
place
1 of 2 noun ˈplās
1
: an available space : room
make a place for the newcomer
2
a
: a region not made clear in description
all over the place
b
: a building or spot set apart for a special purpose
a place of learning
3
a
: a certain region or center of population
a nice place to visit
b
: house entry 1 sense 1, dwelling
nice place you have here
our summer place
4
: a certain part of a surface or body : spot
a sore place on my shoulder
lost my place in the book
5
: relative position in a scale or series
kept them in their place
in the first place, you're wrong
finished in last place
6
a
: a proper position
the place of education in society
b
: a suitable moment or point
this is not the place to discuss that problem
7
a
: an available seat or accommodation
needs a place to stay
b
: usual space or use
paper towels take the place of linen
8
: the position of a digit in a numeral
the number 316 has three places
in 2.718 the digit 1 is two places after the decimal point
9
: job sense 3, position
10
: a public square
11
: a short street
12
: second position at the finish (as of a horse race)
place
2 of 2 verb placed; placing
1
: to put or arrange in a certain place or position
2
a
: to appoint to a position
was placed in command
b
: to find a job or home for
place a child for adoption
3
a
: to assign to a position in a series or category : rank
b
: estimate entry 1 sense 1
placed the value of the ring too high
c
: to identify by association
couldn't quite place her face
4
: to give an order for
place a bet
5
: to come in second (as in a horse race)
place 1 of 2
noun
1
as in location
the area or space occupied by or intended for something the place chosen for the picnic there's the place where I left my umbrella Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- location
- venue
- spot
- site
- position
- where
- locality
- locale
- point
- scene
- emplacement
- locus
- region
- there
- section
- here
- sector
- precinct
2
as in facility
a building, room, or suite of rooms occupied by a service business we're going to our favorite place to eat Synonyms & Similar Words
- facility
- spot
- house
- establishment
- joint
- parlor
- station
- salon
- club
- installation
- dive
- den
- hole
3
as in position
an assignment at which one regularly works for pay a friend got her a place in a department store's clothing department Synonyms & Similar Words
- position
- job
- post
- situation
- employment
- employ
- spot
- capacity
- function
- connection
- appointment
- berth
- office
- work
- billet
- business
- profession
- occupation
- living
- career
- vocation
- posting
- practice
- calling
- service
- task
- pursuit
- trade
- duty
- livelihood
- mission
- gig
- line
- racket
- engagement
- practise
- lifework
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- avocation
- unemployment
- joblessness
4
as in room
an extent or area available for or used up by some activity or thing let's make a place around our campfire for the newest member of our group Synonyms & Similar Words
- room
- space
- way
- elbow room
- scope
- capacity
- play
- compass
- freedom
- range
- clearance
- berth
- leeway
- latitude
5
as in job
the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists knew his place in the organization Synonyms & Similar Words
- job
- purpose
- task
- role
- part
- work
- position
- function
- business
- capacity
- mission
- situation
- vocation
- office
- participation
- concern
- use
- rôle
- hand
- duty
- post
- activity
- service
- occupation
- responsibility
- involvement
- calling
- pursuit
- employ
- affair
- niche
- assignment
- commission
- charge
6
as in residence
the place where one lives they have a nice little place in the country Synonyms & Similar Words
- residence
- abode
- house
- home
- dwelling
- roof
- lodging
- housing
- quarters
- residency
- shelter
- habitation
- apartment
- domicile
- cabin
- cottage
- hearth
- mansion
- fireside
- bungalow
- nest
- pad
- diggings
- accommodations
- hearthstone
- ranch
- villa
- farmhouse
- castle
- flat
- shack
- dormitory
- hut
- manor
- condo
- homestead
- estate
- town house
- dorm
- chalet
- penthouse
- ranch house
- room(s)
- suite
- barracks
- palace
- condominium
- split level
- hacienda
- tenement house
- casita
- tract house
- salon
- semi
- apartment house
- recreational vehicle
- hall
- duplex
- tenement
- billet
- manor house
- rectory
- boardinghouse
- trailer
- flophouse
- rooming house
- lodging house
- lodgment
- château
- grange
- shanty
- triplex
- townhome
- hovel
- hermitage
- houseboat
- house trailer
- walk-up
- parsonage
- lodgement
- mobile home
- manse
- vicarage
- motor home
- countryseat
- saltbox
- hootch
- hooch
- hutch
- double-wide
- McMansion
- RV
7
as in level
the placement of someone or something in relation to others in a vertical arrangement came in fourth place in the marathon Synonyms & Similar Words
- position
- level
- ranking
- rank
- echelon
- standing
- situation
- status
- footing
- degree
- station
- stratum
- order
- reach(es)
- rung
- walk
- condition
- function
- estate
- capacity
- rating
8
as in niche
a situation or activity for which a person or thing is best suited with skills largely limited to those honed from endless hours of video games, he was having a hard time finding a place in the business world Synonyms & Similar Words
- niche
- job
- groove
- position
- slot
- function
- post
- standing
- berth
- capacity
- status
- station
- billet
- appointment
- rank
- thing
- specialty
- long suit
- strong suit
- speciality
- forte
- metier
- métier
9
as in stage
an individual part of a process, series, or ranking well, in the first place, you shouldn't even be here Synonyms & Similar Words
- stage
- step
- chapter
- point
- phase
- cut
- degree
- inch
- peg
- grade
- side
- notch
- aspect
- amount
- angle
- measure
- plane
- facet
- increment
- decrement
place
2 of 2verb
1
as in to put
to arrange something in a certain spot or position he carefully placed the flowers in a vase Synonyms & Similar Words
- put
- situate
- position
- locate
- deposit
- lay
- set
- stick
- park
- dispose
- move
- plant
- fix
- set up
- depose
- establish
- lock
- emplace
- shift
- orient
- rearrange
- assemble
- reorder
- niche
- carry
- plop
- collect
- slap
- plank
- lodge
- plunk
- settle
- rank
- clap
- wedge
- anchor
- ensconce
- berth
- plunk down
- plump
- affix
- line up
- queue
- flop
- plonk
- set down
- lay out
- array
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- take
- remove
- relocate
- replace
- displace
- supersede
- banish
- dislodge
- supplant
2
as in to rank
to arrange or assign according to type I'd place those cyclists in the advanced group for the training ride Synonyms & Similar Words
- rank
- group
- classify
- type
- relegate
- sort
- separate
- distinguish
- grade
- class
- list
- order
- compartment
- categorize
- distribute
- organize
- peg
- identify
- codify
- digest
- compartmentalize
- range
- recognize
- break down
- refer
- assort
- file
- dispose
- catalog
- systematize
- index
- cull
- draw up
- shelve
- alphabetize
- array
- pigeonhole
- marshal
- set
- cluster
- screen
- clump
- regroup
- reclassify
- sift
- sieve
- catalogue
- marshall
- winnow
- colligate
- recategorize
- subcategorize
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- lump
- scramble
- mix (up)
- disarrange
- jumble
- confuse
- missort
- misclassify
- mistype
3
as in to figure
to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement I'd place that as roughly the third largest house in the neighborhood Synonyms & Similar Words
- put
- figure
- make
- estimate
- suppose
- guess
- calculate
- judge
- gauge
- reason
- call
- gage
- reckon
- understand
- gather
- conjecture
- conclude
- extrapolate
- deduce
- infer
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- measure
- scale
- compute
- calibrate
- work out
4
as in to be
to take or have a certain position within a group arranged in vertical classes placed second in the competition Synonyms & Similar Words
- be
- rank
- stand
- rate
- grade
- sort
- group
- seed
- class
- separate
- set
- classify
- categorize
- count
- codify
- install
- compartmentalize
- instate
5
as in to name
to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty placed the recent college grad in the company's research and development division Synonyms & Similar Words
- name
- nominate
- appoint
- assign
- commission
- constitute
- designate
- attach
- detail
- create
- choose
- induct
- institute
- elect
- delegate
- crown
- select
- authorize
- install
- ordain
- throne
- inaugurate
- make
- consecrate
- instate
- invest
- deputize
- anoint
- draft
- enthrone
- depute
- destine
- handpick
- vote (in)
- single (out)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- fire
- remove
- dismiss
- expel
- discharge
- throw out
- displace
- overthrow
- unseat
- depose
- oust
- dethrone
- evict
- eject
- unmake
- uncrown
- blackball
6
as in to introduce
to present or bring forward for discussion once again the issue of recurrent vandalism at the high school was placed before the town council Synonyms & Similar Words
- introduce
- raise
- discuss
- broach
- suggest
- name
- mention
- moot
- propose
- debate
- offer
- air
- bring up
- ventilate
- vent
- express
- cite
- interject
- allude (to)
- interrupt
- refer (to)
- talk (about)
- speak (of)
- thrash (out or over)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- quiet
- silence
- suppress
- censor
- hush (up)
7
as in to hire
to provide with a paying job most of the trainees at the TV station are placed in clerical positions Synonyms & Similar Words
- hire
- employ
- recruit
- pay
- job
- retain
- engage
- fee
- lay on
- assume
- take on
- enlist
- sign (up or on)
- partner
- promote
- apprentice
- contract
- reemploy
- rehire
- subcontract
- reengage
- scout
- upgrade
- advance
- headhunt
- keep (on)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- can
- sack
- fire
- axe
- dismiss
- discharge
- ax
- lay off
- lock out
- furlough