arcade
UK: ɑːˈkeɪd | US: ɑːrˈkeɪd
n. a covered passageway with arches along one or both sides, often lined with shops
n. a series of arches supporting a wall or roof
n. (modern usage) an indoor area with coin-operated games or entertainment machines
The word "arcade" traces back to the Latin arcus (arch), reflecting its architectural roots. It entered English via French arcade, originally describing a series of arches. Over time, it expanded to denote covered walkways and later, in the 20th century, spaces housing amusement machines—likely due to the arched designs of early gaming venues.
The historic shopping arcade was lined with elegant stone arches.
They spent the afternoon playing games at the local arcade.
The cathedral's arcade supported the upper gallery.
Many European cities feature 19th-century glass-roofed arcades.
The new entertainment center includes a virtual reality arcade.