areola

noun

are·​o·​la ə-ˈrē-ə-lə How to pronounce areola (audio) ˌer-ē-ˈō- How to pronounce areola (audio)
ˌa-rē-
plural areolae ə-ˈrē-ə-ˌlē How to pronounce areola (audio)
ˌer-ē-ˈō-ˌlē,
ˌa-rē-
or areolas
: a small area between things or about something
especially : a colored ring (as about the nipple, a vesicle, or a pustule)
areolar adjective
areolate adjective

Examples of areola in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Always a provocateur, Doja opted to expose a sliver of each areola. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2024 Previously, such content was only monetizable if no areola was visible. Todd Spangler, Variety, 17 Nov. 2023 Also, breastfeeding thumbnails with focus on breasts without visible areola can now earn ad revenue. Amrita Khalid, The Verge, 17 Nov. 2023 Excess skin and tissue are removed and the remaining breast tissue is reshaped into a more uplifted silhouette, the nipple and areola are moved up on the breast, and the areola’s size can also be tweaked if desired. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 4 Dec. 2023 Also, breastfeeding thumbnails with focus on breasts without visible areola can now earn ad revenue, according to YouTube. Todd Spangler, Variety, 17 Nov. 2023 Previously, breastfeeding videos on YouTube that showed a visible areola were not eligible to earn ad revenue. Amrita Khalid, The Verge, 17 Nov. 2023 Aside from lifting, nipple covers serve another purpose: concealing the areola and enhancing the contour of the chest. India Roby, Women's Health, 28 Aug. 2023 Next, breast buds develop that resemble nickel-sized bumps, with both the nipple and breast becoming more elevated and the areola darkening in color. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 29 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'areola.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, small open space, diminutive of area

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of areola was in 1664

Dictionary Entries Near areola

Cite this Entry

“Areola.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/areola. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

areola

noun
are·​o·​la ə-ˈrē-ə-lə How to pronounce areola (audio)
plural areolae -ˌlē How to pronounce areola (audio) or areolas
: a colored ring (as about the nipple)
areolar adjective

Medical Definition

areola

noun
are·​o·​la ə-ˈrē-ə-lə How to pronounce areola (audio)
plural areolae -ˌlē How to pronounce areola (audio) or areolas
: a small area between things or about something: as
a
: the colored ring around the nipple or around a vesicle or pustule
b
: the portion of the iris that borders the pupil of the eye

More from Merriam-Webster on areola

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