place

noun countable

UK /pleɪs/

Word Forms

singular	place
plural	places

1
an area, or a position
I don’t like crowded places.
Let’s find a quiet place where we can talk.
Keep your credit cards in a safe place.
Will had broken his jaw in three places.
Synonyms and related words
General words for location and place
place
location
setting
1. 1a
  the position where someone or something is, or where it should be
  She put the book back in its place.
  Cara walked back to her place and sat down.
  into place (=into the correct position):
  She shut the door and slid the bolt into place.
  The mechanism locked into place.
  Synonyms and related words
  General words for location and place
  place
  location
  setting
2
a particular town, country, building, shop etc
They live in a small place called Clovelly.
With a bit of work this place could look lovely.
This is the only place that sells this type of bike.
The trip includes a visit to York and other places of interest.
Synonyms and related words
General words for location and place
place
location
setting
1. 2a
  an area, building, or space that is used for or suitable for a particular purpose
  a popular eating place
  place for:
  Cyprus is a great place for a holiday.
  place to do something:
  Is this a safe place to swim?
  I always think Italy would be a great place to live.
  Synonyms and related words
  General words for location and place
  place
  location
  setting
2. 2b
  a house, flat etc for living in
  They’ve bought a lovely little place in the countryside.
  your/my/her etc place:
  Let’s have the party at my place.
  Synonyms and related words
  Buildings where people live or stay
  adobe
  apartment block
  apartment building
3
an opportunity to be a member of a sports team or to take part in a game or competition
win/secure/earn/clinch a place:
Lewis has earned a place in the Olympic team.
Arsenal clinched a place in the semi-finals with a 2–0 win at Liverpool.
Synonyms and related words
Sports management and team selection
bench
be relegated
call up
1. 3a
  Britishan opportunity to join a school, college, course etc
  Nursery places for children are scarce in some parts of the country.
  I must remember to book a place on the French course.
  Course organizers are hoping that all the places will be filled.
  get/secure/win/gain a place:
  Steven has secured a place at Manchester University.
  Synonyms and related words
  Club membership and joining a club, organization or group
  accept
  admission
  admit
2. 3b
  an opportunity to be part of an organization or business
  place on:
  She was offered a place on the committee.
  They’re looking for someone to fill Jackson’s place on the management team.
  Synonyms and related words
  Club membership and joining a club, organization or group
  accept
  admission
  admit
4
a seat on a train or bus, in a theatre etc, or a position in a queue
There’s no place to sit.
lose your place:
I had to go to the toilet and lost my place in the queue.
save/keep someone’s place:
Would you mind saving my place for a minute?
Synonyms and related words
Booking on and travelling by transport
aboard
afloat
aisle seat
5
the position that you achieve in a race or competition
After a good performance at Wimbledon, she jumped six places in the world rankings.
first/second etc place:
Sevilla finished in fifth place in the Champions’ League.
Rafferty completed his round in 69, to take third place at the halfway stage.
Synonyms and related words
Races and racing
ahead
a poor second
baton
6
the right occasion, or the right time for something
This isn’t the place to talk about the subject.
neither the time nor the place:
This is neither the time nor the place to discuss our relationship.
Synonyms and related words
Moments and short periods of time
moment
second
instant
7
the point that you have reached in a book, speech etc
He marked his place with a piece of paper.
lose your place:
I lost my place (=forgot what I was saying) when he interrupted me.
Synonyms and related words
Achievements
feat
accomplishment
achievement
8
usually singularthe importance that someone or something has in people’s lives or in their minds
The house will always have a place in our hearts.
a discussion about the place of soap operas in popular culture
someone’s place in history:
De Klerk secured his place in history by releasing Mandela and starting the process of change.
Synonyms and related words
Importance
importance
emphasis
priority
9
the set of dishes, knives, forks, and spoons arranged on a table for one person to use
a table set with three places
Synonyms and related words
General words for tableware and earthenware
bone china
canteen
china
10
the place to start
the first thing to be done in order to achieve a goal
If you are set to live a long life, eating tofu and squid is the place to start.
Submitted by:
Boris Marchenko from Russian Federation on 19/11/2015
Open Dictionary - November2015
11
go places
to be successful
I always believed he would go places. He’s been a whizz-kid since he was a child.
Submitted by:
Emran Khoshrouye Ghiasi from Iran, Islamic Republic of on 10/04/2018
Open Dictionary - April2018
12
put in place
to set up, organize, or establish
Public buildings have put in place checkpoints at their entrances in the wake of a number of horrifying terror attacks.
Submitted by:
Boris Marchenko from Russian Federation on 07/08/2016
Open Dictionary - August2016

phrases

all over the place

as if you own the place

be no place for

change/swap/trade places (with someone)

fall/fit into place

going places

have no place

in place

in someone’s place

in place of

in places

out of place

place of work/business/residence

place of worship

take someone’s place

take something’s place

take your place

place

noun countable

US /pleɪs/

Word Forms

singular	place
plural	places

1
an area, or a position
I don’t like crowded places.
Let’s find a quiet place where we can talk.
Keep your credit cards in a safe place.
Will had broken his jaw in three places.
Synonyms and related words
General words for location and place
place
location
setting
1. 1a
  the position where someone or something is, or where it should be
  She put the book back in its place.
  Cara walked back to her place and sat down.
  into place (=into the correct position):
  She shut the door and slid the bolt into place.
  The mechanism locked into place.
  Synonyms and related words
  General words for location and place
  place
  location
  setting
2
a particular town, country, building, store, etc.
They live in a small place called Hunter’s Gap.
With a little work this place could look lovely.
This is the only place that sells this type of candy.
The trip includes a visit to the Hall of Fame and other places of interest.
Synonyms and related words
General words for location and place
place
location
setting
1. 2a
  an area, building, or space that is used for or appropriate for a particular purpose
  a popular eating place
  place for:
  Cyprus is a great place for a vacation.
  place to do something:
  Is this a safe place to swim?
  I always thought Italy would be a great place to live.
  Synonyms and related words
  General words for location and place
  place
  location
  setting
2. 2b
  a house, apartment, etc. for living in
  They’ve bought a lovely little place in Aspen.
  your/my/her etc. place:
  Let’s have the party at my place.
  Synonyms and related words
  Buildings where people live or stay
  adobe
  apartment
  apartment block
3
an opportunity to be a member of a sports team or to take part in a game or competition
win/secure/earn/clinch a place:
Jones has earned a place on the Olympic team.
Capriati clinched a place in the semifinals with that win.
Synonyms and related words
Sports management and team selection
bench
be relegated
call up
1. 3a
  Britishan opportunity to join a school, college, course, etc.
  Places for children in day care are scarce in some parts of the country.
  Course organizers are hoping that all the places will be filled.
  Synonyms and related words
  Club membership and joining a club, organization or group
  accept
  admission
  admit
2. 3b
  an opportunity to be part of an organization or business
  place on:
  She was offered a place on the committee.
  They’re looking for someone to fill Jackson’s place on the management team.
  Synonyms and related words
  Club membership and joining a club, organization or group
  accept
  admission
  admit
4
a seat on a train or bus, in a theater, etc., or a position in a line
There’s no place to sit.
lose your place:
I had to go to the bathroom, so I lost my place in line.
save/keep someone’s place:
Would you mind saving my place for a minute?
Synonyms and related words
Booking on and traveling by transport
aboard
afloat
aisle seat
5
the position that you achieve in a race or competition
After a good performance at Wimbledon, she jumped six places in the world rankings.
first/second etc. place:
Right now the Islanders are tied with Buffalo for fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Rafferty completed his round in 69, to take third place at the halfway stage.
Synonyms and related words
Races and racing
ahead
a poor second
baton
6
the right occasion, or the right time for something
This isn’t the place to talk about the subject.
neither the time nor the place:
This is neither the time nor the place to discuss our relationship.
Synonyms and related words
Moments and short periods of time
moment
second
instant
7
the point that you have reached in a book, speech, etc.
He marked his place with a piece of paper.
lose your place:
I lost my place (=forgot what I was saying) when he interrupted me.
Synonyms and related words
Achievements
achievement
feat
accomplishment
8
usually singularthe importance that someone or something has in people’s lives or in their minds
The house will always have a place in our hearts.
a discussion about the place of soap operas in popular culture
someone’s place in history:
De Klerk secured his place in history by releasing Mandela and starting the process of change.
Synonyms and related words
Importance
importance
emphasis
priority
9
the set of dishes, knives, forks, and spoons arranged on a table for one person to use
a table set with three places
Synonyms and related words
General words for tableware and earthenware
bone china
canteen
china
10
the place to start
the first thing to be done in order to achieve a goal
If you are set to live a long life, eating tofu and squid is the place to start.
Submitted by:
Boris Marchenko from Russian Federation on 19/11/2015
Open Dictionary - November2015
11
go places
to be successful
I always believed he would go places. He’s been a whizz-kid since he was a child.
Submitted by:
Emran Khoshrouye Ghiasi from Iran, Islamic Republic of on 10/04/2018
Open Dictionary - April2018
12
put in place
to set up, organize, or establish
Public buildings have put in place checkpoints at their entrances in the wake of a number of horrifying terror attacks.
Submitted by:
Boris Marchenko from Russian Federation on 07/08/2016
Open Dictionary - August2016

phrases

all over the place

as if you own the place

be no place for

change/swap/trade places (with someone)

fall/fit into place

going places

have no place

in place

in someone’s place

in place of

in places

out of place

place of work/business/residence

place of worship

take someone’s place

take something’s place

take your place

place

verb transitive

UK /pleɪs/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	place
he/she/it	places
present participle	placing
past tense	placed
past participle	placed

1
to put something somewhere, especially in a careful or deliberate way
place something on/under/into etc something:
Ella placed the dish on the table.
‘Don’t worry,’ said Judy, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl, and gradually add water.
Synonyms and related words
General words meaning to put something somewhere
put
place
position
2
to put someone in a particular situation or state, especially a difficult or unpleasant one
place someone in/at/under something:
Her decision places me in an awkward situation.
The high level of the pound is placing exporters at a serious disadvantage.
place someone/something under strain/pressure:
The company is severely understaffed, which places employees under great pressure.
Synonyms and related words
To cause problems for someone or something
let down
hold back
embarrass
1. 2a
  to put a person or place under someone else’s control or protection
  place someone/something under something:
  At the end of the war, the island was placed under French control.
  We place each trainee under the care and supervision of an experienced member of staff.
  Monga had his passport withdrawn, and was placed under house arrest.
  Synonyms and related words
  To make someone responsible for something
  entrust
  saddle with
  shift
3
if you place limits, responsibilities, pressures etc on someone, you make them experience them
place limits/restrictions on:
Parents should place limits on the amount of time their children spend on the Internet.
place burdens/strain/pressure on:
The large influx of refugees was placing a great burden on Pakistan’s resources.
Synonyms and related words
To limit or control something or someone
draw a line in the sand
limit
control
4
to have a particular attitude towards someone or something
place blame/faith/hope/reliance etc on:
She placed the blame squarely on George.
He placed great faith in her abilities.
Synonyms and related words
To form an opinion, or to have an idea
measure
come up with
judge
5
to decide how good or important something is in comparison with other things
place something above something:
The company was accused of placing profits above safety.
place emphasis/importance/value on something:
The school places great emphasis on the welfare of its students.
Customers were placing more importance on quality than simply on cost.
Synonyms and related words
To compare or connect things
compare
connect
link
6
to arrange for someone to work or live somewhere
He had to place his mother in a nursing home.
The employment agency placed me with a local law firm.
Synonyms and related words
To send someone somewhere
send
ship
relocate
7
always passiveBritishto finish second or third in a race, especially in a horse race
Synonyms and related words
To win a game, competition or argument
win
clinch
triumph
Synonyms and related words
Horse racing and other horse riding competitions
accumulator
Ascot
betting shop
1. 7a
  intransitive mainly Americanto finish a competition in a particular position
  place first/third etc:
  The 23-year-old from Idaho placed first in the downhill race.
  Synonyms and related words
  To win a game, competition or argument
  win
  clinch
  triumph
8
usually in negativesto recognize someone or something and remember their name
He looks familiar, but I can’t place him.
I could hear music in the background, but the tune was difficult to place.
Synonyms and related words
To remember
remember
recall
think back
Synonyms and related words
To notice or recognize something or someone
notice
recognize
observe
9
if you place an advertisement, you arrange for it to be in a newspaper or magazine
Synonyms and related words
To advertise or publicise
advertise
be billed to sing/play etc
bill as
10
if you place a bet, you give money to someone saying that you think a person, team, animal etc will win a competition
Synonyms and related words
To gamble money
gamble
bet
stake
11
if you place an order, you ask a company to sell you something and send it to you
Orders may be placed by telephone or on the Internet.
Synonyms and related words
To buy something
buy
get
purchase

phrases

be placed first/second etc

be well/conveniently/ideally/strategically etc placed

be well/ideally/uniquely etc placed to do something

how are you placed for something?

how are you placed for doing something?

place something in someone’s hands

place

verb transitive

US /pleɪs/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	place
he/she/it	places
present participle	placing
past tense	placed
past participle	placed

1
to put something somewhere, especially in a careful or deliberate way
place something on/under/into etc. something:
Ella placed the dish on the table.
“Don’t worry,” said Judy, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl, and gradually add water.
Synonyms and related words
General words meaning to put something somewhere
put
place
position
2
to put someone in a particular situation or state, especially a difficult or unpleasant one
place someone in/at/under something:
Her decision places me in an awkward situation.
The high level of the dollar is placing exporters at a serious disadvantage.
place someone/something under strain/pressure:
The company is severely understaffed, which places employees under great pressure.
Synonyms and related words
To cause problems for someone or something
let down
hold back
embarrass
1. 2a
  to put a person or place under someone else’s control or protection
  place someone/something under something:
  At the end of the war, the island was placed under French control.
  We place each trainee under the care and supervision of an experienced member of staff.
  Monga had his passport withdrawn, and was placed under house arrest.
  Synonyms and related words
  To make someone responsible for something
  entrust
  saddle with
  shift
3
if you place limits, responsibilities, pressures, etc. on someone, you make them experience them
place limits/restrictions on:
Parents should place limits on the amount of time their children spend on the Internet.
place burdens/strain/pressure on:
The large influx of refugees was placing a great burden on Pakistan’s resources.
Synonyms and related words
To limit or control something or someone
draw a line in the sand
limit
control
4
to have a particular attitude toward someone or something
place blame/faith/hope/reliance etc. on:
She placed the blame squarely on George.
He placed great faith in her abilities.
Synonyms and related words
To form an opinion, or to have an idea
measure
come up with
judge
5
to decide how good or important something is in comparison with other things
place something above something:
The company was accused of placing profit above performance.
place emphasis/importance/value on something:
The school places great emphasis on the safety of its students.
Customers were placing more importance on quality than simply on cost.
Synonyms and related words
To compare or connect things
compare
connect
link
6
to arrange for someone to work or live somewhere
He had to place his mother in a nursing home.
The employment agency placed me with a local law firm.
Synonyms and related words
To send someone somewhere
send
ship
relocate
7
intransitive Americanto finish a competition in a particular position
place first/third etc.:
The 23-year-old from Sun Valley, Idaho, placed first in six World Cup downhill races.
Synonyms and related words
To win a game, competition or argument
win
clinch
sweep
1. 7a
  intransitive to finish second in a race, especially in a horse race
  Synonyms and related words
  To win a game, competition or argument
  win
  clinch
  sweep
  Synonyms and related words
  Horse racing and other horse riding competitions
  accumulator
  double
  dressage
2. 7b
  be placed first/second etc.Britishto finish in first/second etc. position
  Synonyms and related words
  To win a game, competition or argument
  win
  clinch
  sweep
8
usually in negativesto recognize someone or something and remember their name
He looks familiar, but I can’t place him.
I could hear music in the background, but the tune was difficult to place.
Synonyms and related words
To remember
remember
recall
think back
Synonyms and related words
To notice or recognize something or someone
notice
recognize
observe
9
if you place an advertisement, you arrange for it to be in a newspaper or magazine
Synonyms and related words
To advertise or publicize
advertise
be billed to sing/play etc.
bill as
10
if you place a bet, you give money to someone saying that you think a person, team, animal, etc. will win a competition
Synonyms and related words
To gamble money
gamble
bet
stake
11
if you place an order, you ask a company to sell you something and send it to you
Orders may be placed by telephone or on the Internet.
Synonyms and related words
To buy something
buy
get
purchase

phrases

how are you placed for something?

how are you placed for doing something?

place something in someone’s hands

be well/ideally/uniquely etc. placed to do something

be well/conveniently/ideally/strategically etc. placed

place ​‌‌‌

the place to start

go places

put in place

place ​‌‌‌

the place to start

go places

put in place

place ​‌‌‌

place ​‌‌‌

place

place

place

place