an area, town, building, etc.
Her garden was a cool pleasant place to sit.
Oxford Essential Dictionary
noun
1 a particular area or position:
Put the book back in the right place.
2 a particular building, town or country:
Budapest is a very interesting place.
Do you know a good place to have lunch?
3 a seat or space for one person:
An old man was sitting in my place.
4 the position that you have in a race, competition or test:
Alice finished in second place.
in place where it should be; in the right place:
Use tape to hold the picture in place.
in place of somebody or something instead of somebody or something:
You can use milk in place of cream.
take place to happen:
The wedding of John and Sara will take place on 22 May.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
place
I. place1 S1 W1 /pleɪs/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑place, ↑placement, ↑placing, ↑displacement, ↑replacement; verb: ↑place, ↑displace, ↑misplace, ↑replace; adjective: ↑displaced, ↑misplaced, ↑replaceable]
[Date: 900-1000; Language: Old French; Origin: 'open space', from Latin platea 'broad street', from Greek plateia (hodos), from platys 'broad, flat']
1. AREA/SPACE/BUILDING ETC a space or area, for example a particular point on a surface or in a room, building, town, city etc:
Make sure you keep the key in a safe place.
I’ve spent the day dashing about from place to place.
The place was full of screaming children.
He was threatening to burn the place down.
She had never been back to the place where the accident happened.
The theatre bar was our usual meeting place.
We were living then in a place called Alberiga.
The wall was quite damp in places (=in some places).
place for
This is a great place for a holiday.
a place to do something
I couldn’t find a place to park.
Did the accident happen at your place of work (=the place where you work)?
The Great Mosque has been a place of worship for Muslims for centuries.
2. HOME informal a house or apartment where someone lives:
They’ve got quite a big place on the outskirts of Leeds.
sb’s place
Do you want to come back to my place for coffee?
It took us ages to find a place to live.
He’s staying with us until he can find a place of his own.
3. take place to happen, especially after being planned or arranged:
The next meeting will take place on Thursday.
Talks between the two sides are still taking place.
Major changes are taking place in society.
4. SPACE TO SIT OR PUT SOMETHING a space where someone can sit, or a space where you can put something:
I might arrive a bit late, so could you save me a place?
There are still a few places left on the coach.
Make sure you put everything back in its proper place.
place for
Can you find a good place for this vase?
5. POINT IN BOOK/SPEECH a point that you have reached in a book or a speech:
This would be a good place to stop and answer any questions that people have.
I used a bookmark so that I wouldn’t lose my place (=forget the point that I had reached).
6. OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING if someone has a place somewhere, they have the opportunity to go there or join in an activity
place in
If you don’t come to training you might lose your place in the team.
We’ve been trying to find her a place in a residential home.
place on
He was offered a place on the management committee.
There are still a couple of places left on the course.
place at
I’ve been offered a place at York University.
7. ROLE/POSITION the ↑role or important position that someone or something has in a situation or in society
sb’s place
the old idea that a woman’s place is in the home
place in
He finally reached the summit of Everest and secured his place in history.
Working has a very important place in all our lives.
8. in place
a) in the correct position:
The chairs for the concert were nearly all in place.
The glass was held in place by a few pieces of sellotape.
b) existing and ready to be used:
Funding arrangements are already in place.
9. in place of somebody/something (also in sb’s/sth’s place) instead of someone or something else:
In place of our advertised programme, we will have live coverage of the special memorial service.
The company flag had been taken down and in its place hung the Union Jack.
If I refused to go, they would send someone else in my place.
10. take the place of somebody/something (also take sb’s/sth’s place) to exist or be used instead of someone or something else SYN replace:
Natural methods of pest control are now taking the place of chemicals.
I had to find someone to take Jenny’s place.
11. in sb’s place used to talk about what you would do if you were in someone else’s situation:
What would you do in my place?
Try to put yourself in my place and think how you would feel.
12. be no place for somebody to be a completely unsuitable place for someone:
This is no place for a child.
13. first/second/third etc place first, second etc position in a race or competition:
He took second place in the long jump.
in first/second etc place
I finished in third place.
14. in the first place
a) used to introduce a series of points in an argument, discussion etc:
In the first place, I’m too busy, and in the second I don’t really want to go.
b) used to talk about what someone did or should have done at the start of a situation:
I wish I’d never got involved in the first place!
15. take second place (to somebody/something) to be less important than someone or something else:
She wasn’t prepared to take second place in his life.
16. take your places used to tell people to go to the correct place or position that they need to be in for an activity:
If you would like to take your places, the food will be served shortly.
17. all over the place informal
a) everywhere:
There was blood all over the place.
b) in a very untidy state:
She came in with her hair all over the place.
18. put somebody in their place to show someone that they are not as clever or important as they think they are:
I soon put him in his place.
19. out of place
a) not suitable for a particular situation or occasion:
He never seemed to feel out of place at social functions.
The paintings looked strangely out of place.
b) not in the correct or usual position:
The kitchen was spotlessly clean, with nothing out of place.
20. it is not sb’s place (to do something) if it is not your place to do something, you do not have the duty or right to do it:
It’s not your place to criticize me!
21. have no place formal to be completely unacceptable
have no place in
Capital punishment has no place in a modern society.
22. fall into place
a) if things fall into place in your mind, you suddenly realize and understand what is really happening:
Things were beginning to fall into place in my mind.
Everything suddenly fell into place.
b) if plans or events fall into place, they start to happen in the way that you hoped they would:
Eventually I got a job, and my life began to fall into place.
23. be going places informal to start becoming successful in your life:
William is a young man who is definitely going places.
24. be in a good/bad etc place American English informal to be in a good, bad etc situation
⇨ a/my/your etc happy place at ↑happy(10), ⇨ have/take pride of place at ↑pride1(6)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ phrases
▪ a meeting place The club was a meeting place for musicians.
▪ a hiding place He had watched the farm workers from his hiding place.
▪ a resting place (=a place where someone or something stays or is buried) This tomb is the last resting place of the Davison family.
▪ sb’s place of birth formal I need to know his date of birth, and his place of birth.
▪ sb’s place of work/employment formal Please give the address of your place of work.
▪ sb’s place of residence formal By law, you must inform us if you change your place of residence.
▪ sb’s/sth’s place of origin formal (=the place where someone or something first came from) I believe my mother's place of origin was Sierra Leone.
▪ a place of safety His young son had been sent away to a place of safety.
▪ a place of refuge (=somewhere safe to go or hide) If ever you need a place of refuge, come to us.
▪ a place of worship The church is much more than a place of worship.
▪ a place of pilgrimage (=one that people visit because it is special, usually for a religious reason) Her grave became a place of pilgrimage.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ place a point or area, especially one that you visit or use for a particular purpose: He’s been to lots of places. | a good meeting place
▪ position the exact place where someone or something is, in relation to other things: She showed me the position of the village on the map. | I changed the position of the mirror slightly. | Jessica moved to a position where she could see the stage better.
▪ point a particular place on a line or surface: At this point the path gets narrower. | No cars are allowed beyond this point.
▪ spot a place, especially a particular kind of place, or a place where something happens. Spot sounds rather informal: She chose a sunny spot. | The area is a favourite spot for windsurfers. | This is the exact spot where I asked her to marry me.
▪ location a place where someone or something is, or where something happens. Location sounds more formal than place: your exact location | The prisoners were taken to an undisclosed location. | an ideal location for a winter break
▪ site a place, especially one that will be used for a particular purpose, or where something important happened: the site of a great battle | There are plans to develop the site for housing. | The area has become a dumping site for nuclear waste.
▪ venue a place where something such as a meeting, concert, game etc takes place: the venue for the next Olympic Games | The hotel is a popular wedding venue.
▪ scene the place where something bad such as an accident or crime happened: the scene of the crime | Ambulance crews were at the scene within minutes.
▪ setting the place and the area around it, where something is or where something happens: The hotel is in a beautiful setting. | the setting for the film ‘A Room With a View’ | Beautiful gardens provide the perfect setting for outdoor dining.
▪ somewhere used for talking about a place when you are not sure exactly which place: She came from somewhere in London.
▪ whereabouts the place where someone or something is – used especially when you do not know this or do not want to tell people: The whereabouts of the painting is unknown. | He refused to disclose his whereabouts. | I’m not sure about her whereabouts.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
place
place [place places placed placing] noun, verb [pleɪs] [pleɪs]
noun
POSITION/POINT/AREA
1. countable a particular position, point or area
• Is this the place where it happened?
• This would be a good place for a picnic.
• I can't be in two places at once.
CITY/TOWN/BUILDING
2. countable a particular city, town, building, etc
• I can't remember all the places we visited in Thailand.
• I used to live in York and I'm still fond of the place.
• The police searched the place.
• We were looking for a place to eat.
• Let's get out of this place!
3. countable (especially in compounds or phrases) a building or an area of land used for a particular purpose
• a meeting place
• The town has many excellent eating places.
• (formal) churches and other places of worship
• He can usually be contacted at his place of work.
see also resting place
AREA ON SURFACE
4. countable a particular area on a surface, especially on a person's body
• He broke his arm in three places.
• The paint was peeling off the wall in places.
IN BOOK/SPEECH, ETC.
5. countable a point in a book, speech, piece of music, etc, especially one that sb has reached at a particular time
• She had marked her place with a bookmark.
• Excuse me, I seem to have lost my place.
• The audience laughed in all the right places.
• This is one of the few places in his work where he mentions his childhood.
SEAT
6. countable a position, seat, etc, especially one that is available for or being used by a person or vehicle
• Come and sit here— I've saved you a place.
• I don't want to lose my place in the line.
• Would you like to change places with me so you can see better?
• I've set a place for you at the table.
ROLE/IMPORTANCE
7. singular ~ (in sth) the role or importance of sb/sth in a particular situation, usually in relation to others
• He is assured of his place in history.
• Accurate reporting takes second place to lurid detail.
• My father believed that people should know their place (= behave according to their social position).
• It's not your place (= your role) to give advice.
• Anecdotes have no place in (= are not acceptable in) an academic essay.
AT UNIVERSITY/SCHOOL
8. countable an opportunity to take part in sth, especially to study at a school or university or on a course
• She's been offered a place at Bath to study Business.
• There are very few places left on the course.
IN SPORTS TEAM
9. countable the position of being a member of a sports team
• She has won a place in the Olympic team.
• He lost his place in the first team.
CORRECT POSITION
10. countable the natural or correct position for sth
• Is there a place on the form to put your address?
• Put it back in its place when you've finished with it.
SAFE AREA
11. countable (usually with a negative) a suitable or safe area for sb to be
• These streets are no place for a child to be out alone at night.
HOME
12. singular (informal) a house or flat/apartment; a person's home
• What about dinner at my place?
• I'm fed up with living with my parents, so I'm looking for a place of my own.
• I thought I'd better clean the place up.
IN RACE/COMPETITION
13. countable, usually singular a position among the winners of a race or competition
• He finished in third place.
MATHEMATICS
14. countable the position of a figure after a decimal point
• The number is correct to three decimal places.
STREET/SQUARE
15. Place singular (abbr. Pl.) used as part of a name for a short street or square
• 66 Portland Place
more at not have a hair out of place at hair, sb's heart is in the right place at heart, lightning never strikes (in the same place) twice at lightning n., behave/act as if you own the placethink you own the place at own v., pride of place at pride n., (caught/stuck) between a rock and a hard place at rock n.
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French, from an alteration of Latin platea ‘open space’, from Greek plateia (hodos) ‘broad (way)’.
Thesaurus:
place noun
1. C
• This is a good place for a picnic.
location • • spot • • site • • scene • • venue • • point • • area • • position • • whereabouts •
a (good, etc.) place/location/spot/site/venue/position for sth
at a place/location/spot/site/scene/venue/point/position
in a/an place/location/venue/area/position
2. C
• Sit next to me— I've saved you a place.
seat •
a/an good/empty place/seat
take/book/reserve a place/seat
save sb a place/seat
Synonyms:
place
site • area • position • point • location • scene • spot • venue
These are all words for a particular area or part of an area, especially one used for a particular purpose or where sb/sth is situated or happens.
place • a particular point, area, city, town, building, etc, especially one used for a particular purpose or where a particular thing happens: ▪ This would be a good place for a picnic.
site • the place where sth, especially a building, is or will be situated; a place where sth happened or that is used for a particular purpose: ▪ They've chosen a site for the new school.
area • a part of a room, building or particular space that is used for a special purpose; a particular place on an object: ▪ the hotel reception area ◊ ▪ Move the cursor to a blank area on the screen.
position • the place where a person or thing is situated; the place where sb/sth is meant to be: ▪ From his position at the top of the hill, he could see the harbour.
The position of sb/sth is often temporary: the place where sb/sth is at a particular time.
point • a particular place within an area, where sth happens or is supposed to happen: ▪ the point at which the river divides
location • a place where sth happens or exists, especially a place that is not named or not known: ▪ The company is moving to a new location.
scene • a place where sth happens, especially sth unpleasant: ▪ the scene of the accident
spot • a particular point or area, especially one that has a particular character or where sth particular happens: ▪ The lake is one of the local ▪ beauty spots ▪.
venue • the place where people meet for an organized event such as a performance or sports event.
at a place/site/position/point/location/scene/spot/venue
in a(n) place/area/position/location/venue
the place/site/point/location/spot/venue where…
the right place/site/position/location/spot/venue
a central site/position/location/venue
the/sb's/sth's exact/precise place/site/position/point/location/spot
Example Bank:
• Dance has a central place in their culture.
• He changed places with me.
• He has been restored to his rightful place in the community.
• He holds a special place in her affections.
• He lost his place in the team.
• He took the place of honour on his hostess's right.
• He was awarded a place at Leeds University.
• He was injured and lost his place in the side.
• His victory secured him a place in history.
• Housing occupied a prominent place in the discussions.
• I forgot to mark my place.
• I happened to be in the right place at the right time.
• I lost my place in line.
• I'm sorry— I was forgetting my place.
• I've laid four places for dinner.
• It was a terrible place to live.
• It was held in place with tape.
• It's a nice place you've got here.
• It's not your place to correct her.
• Keep your purse in a safe place.
• Please state your date and place of birth.
• Second place went to the Moroccan athlete.
• She got a place on the French course.
• She knows her place.
• She showed them to their places.
• She tapped the lid into place.
• She took third place.
• The boy returned to his place
• There will be rain in places.
• This is not the place for an argument.
• We had dinner at a crowded place in Chelsea.
• We took our places around the table.
• a statesman who is assured a place in history
• holidays in faraway places
• trips to faraway places
• Anecdotes have no place in an academic essay.
• Come and sit here— I've saved you a place.
• He can usually be contacted at his place of work.
• Here is a list of churches and other places of worship.
• I can't be in two places at once.
• I couldn't find a parking place anywhere.
• I don't want to lose my place in the line.
• I thought I'd better clean the place up.
• I used to live in York and I'm still fond of the place.
• I'm fed up with living with my parents, so I'm looking for a place of my own.
• I've set a place for you at the table.
• Let's get out of this place!
• My father believed that people should know their place.
• Please write your full name, date and place of birth.
• Schools should be a safe place for children to work in.
• The town has many excellent eating places.
• There was no hiding place.
• These streets are no place for a child to be out alone at night.
• They gathered at a meeting place in the town square.
• They met at a place in the centre of town.
• We're looking for a place to eat.
• What about dinner at my place?
• What places did you visit in Thailand?
• Would you like to change places with me so you can see better?
Idioms: all over the place ▪ fall into place ▪ give place to somebody ▪ going places ▪ if I was in your place ▪ in my/your place ▪ in place ▪ in place of somebody ▪ in somebody's place ▪ in the first place ▪ in the first/second place ▪ out of place ▪ place in the sun ▪ put somebody in their place ▪ put yourself in somebody else's place ▪ swap places ▪ take place ▪ take somebody's place ▪ take the place of somebody ▪ take your place ▪ well/ideally/uniquely/better placed for something do something
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
place / pleɪs / noun (AREA)
A1 [ C ] an area, town, building, etc.:
Her garden was a cool pleasant place to sit.
What was the name of that place we drove through on the way to New York?
They decided to go to a pizza place.
There are several places of interest to visit in the area.
It's important to feel comfortable in your place of work .
A2 [ C ] informal someone's home:
I'm looking for a place to live.
We'll have the meeting at my place.
[ S ] a suitable area, building, situation, or occasion:
University is a great place for making new friends.
[ + to infinitive ] This meeting isn't the place to discuss your problems, I'm afraid.
Collins Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
place
[ple͟ɪs]
places, placing, placed
1) N-COUNT: usu with supp A place is any point, building, area, town, or country.
...Temple Mount, the place where the Temple actually stood.
...a list of museums and places of interest...
We're going to a place called Mont-St-Jean.
...the opportunity to visit new places...
The best place to catch fish on a canal is close to a lock...
The pain is always in the same place.
2) N-SING: the N You can use the place to refer to the point, building, area, town, or country that you have already mentioned.
Except for the remarkably tidy kitchen, the place was a mess...
For a ruin it was in good condition, as though the place was still being used.
3) N-COUNT: usu with supp You can refer to somewhere that provides a service, such as a hotel, restaurant, or institution, as a particular kind of place.
He found a bed-and-breakfast place...
My wife and I discovered some superb places to eat...
My hospital is one of many places that benefited from the support of Queen Alexandra.
Syn:
establishment
4) PHRASE: V inflects When something takes place, it happens, especially in a controlled or organized way.
The discussion took place in a famous villa on the lake's shore...
She wanted Hugh's wedding to take place quickly...
Elections will now take place on November the twenty-fifth.
5) N-SING: det N Place can be used after `any', `no', `some', or `every' to mean `anywhere', `nowhere', `somewhere', or `everywhere'. [mainly AM, INFORMAL]
The poor guy obviously didn't have any place to go for Easter...
Why not go out and see if there's some place we can dance?
6) ADV: ADV after v If you go places, you visit pleasant or interesting places. [mainly AM]
I don't have money to go places...
People were talking to him, listening to him, taking him places.
7) N-COUNT: poss N You can refer to the position where something belongs, or where it is supposed to be, as its place.
He returned the album to its place on the shelf...
He returned to his place on the sofa.
8) N-COUNT: usu with supp A place is a seat or position that is available for someone to occupy.
He walked back to the table and sat at the nearest of two empty places...
I found a place to park beside a station wagon.
9) N-COUNT: with poss Someone's or something's place in a society, system, or situation is their position in relation to other people or things.
They want to see more women take their place higher up the corporate or professional ladder...
It would be foolish to exclude Christianity from the curriculum, in view of its important place in our national culture.
10) N-COUNT: usu sing, usu ord N Your place in a race or competition is your position in relation to the other competitors. If you are in first place, you are ahead of all the other competitors.
Jane's goals helped Britain win third place in the Barcelona games...
He has risen second place in the opinion polls.
11) N-COUNT: usu with supp If you get a place in a team, on a committee, or on a course of study, for example, you are accepted as a member of the team or committee or as a student on the course.
He has found a place in the first team...
All the candidates won places on the ruling council...
I eventually got a place at York University...
They should be in residential care but there are no places available...
To book your place fill in the coupon on page 187 and return it by 1st October.
12) N-SING: with supp, oft N to-inf, N for n/-ing A good place to do something in a situation or activity is a good time or stage at which to do it.
It seemed an appropriate place to end somehow...
This is not the place for a lengthy discussion.
Syn:
time
13) N-COUNT: usu sing, usu poss N Your place is the house or flat where you live. [INFORMAL]
Let's all go back to my place!...
He kept encouraging Rosie to find a place of her own.
14) N-COUNT: usu sing, usu poss N Your place in a book or speech is the point you have reached in reading the book or making the speech.
...her finger marking her place in the book...
He lost his place in his notes.
15) N-COUNT: usu num N If you say how many decimal places there are in a number, you are saying how many numbers there are to the right of the decimal point.
A pocket calculator only works to eight decimal places.
16) VERB If you place something somewhere, you put it in a particular position, especially in a careful, firm, or deliberate way.
[V n prep/adv] Brand folded it in his handkerchief and placed it in the inside pocket of his jacket...
[V n prep/adv] Chairs were hastily placed in rows for the parents.
Syn:
put
17) VERB To place a person or thing in a particular state means to cause them to be in it.
[V n prep] Widespread protests have placed the President under serious pressure...
[V n prep] The crisis could well place the relationship at risk...
[be V-ed prep] The remaining 30 percent of each army will be placed under UN control.
Syn:
put
18) VERB You can use place instead of `put' or `lay' in certain expressions where the meaning is carried by the following noun. For example, if you place emphasis on something, you emphasize it, and if you place the blame on someone, you blame them.
[V n on/upon n] We should teach the young by placing responsibility on them and by trusting them in real endeavors...
[V n on/upon n] He placed great emphasis on the importance of family life and ties...
[V n on/upon n] She seemed to be placing most of the blame on her mother...
[V n in n] His government is placing its faith in international diplomacy.
Syn:
put
19) VERB If you place someone or something in a particular class or group, you label or judge them in that way.
[V n prep] The authorities have placed the drug in Class A, the same category as heroin and cocaine...
[V n prep] Dr. Boris Sidis was a Russian-born psychiatrist who enjoyed considerable prestige; some placed him on a par with Pierre Janet and Morton Prince.
Syn:
put, rank
20) VERB: usu passive If a competitor is placed first, second, or last, for example, that is their position at the end of a race or competition. In American English, be placed often means `finish in second position'.
[be V-ed ord] I had been placed 2nd and 3rd a few times but had never won...
[ord V-ed] Second-placed Auxerre suffered a surprising 2-0 home defeat to Nantes.
21) VERB If you place an order for a product or for a meal, you ask for it to be sent or brought to you.
[V n] It is a good idea to place your order well in advance as delivery can often take months rather than weeks...
[V n] Before placing your order for a meal, study the menu.
22) VERB If you place an advertisement in a newspaper, you arrange for the advertisement to appear in the newspaper.
[V n in n] They placed an advertisement in the local paper for a secretary. [Also V n]
Syn:
put
23) VERB If you place a telephone call to a particular place, you give the telephone operator the number of the person you want to speak to and ask them to connect you.
[V n] I'd like to place an overseas call.
24) VERB If you place a bet, you bet money on something.
[V n on n] For this race, though, he had already placed a bet on one of the horses. [Also V n]
25) VERB If an agency or organization places someone, it finds them a job or somewhere to live.
[V n in n] In 1861, they managed to place fourteen women in paid positions in the colonies...
[V n] In cases where it proves very difficult to place a child, the reception centre might end by providing relatively long-term care.
26) VERB If you say that you cannot place someone, you mean that you recognize them but cannot remember exactly who they are or where you have met them before.
[V n] Something about the man was familiar, although Hillsden could not immediately place him...
[V n] It was a voice he recognized, though he could not immediately place it.
27) → See also meeting place
28) PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR If something is happening all over the place, it is happening in many different places.
Businesses are closing down all over the place...
There are picket lines all over the place.
29) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v If things are all over the place, they are spread over a very large area, usually in a disorganized way.
Our fingerprints are probably all over the place...
There was ammunition lying all over the place.
30) PHRASE: v-link PHR If you say that someone is all over the place, you mean that they are confused or disorganized, and unable to think clearly or act properly. [mainly BRIT]
He was careful and diligent. I was all over the place.
31) PHR-RECIP: V inflects, pl-n PHR, PHR with n If you change places with another person, you start being in their situation or role, and they start being in yours.
When he has tried to identify all the items, you can change places, and he can test you...
With his door key in his hand, knowing Millie and the kids awaited him, he wouldn't change places with anyone.
Syn:
swap
32) PHRASE: V inflects If you have been trying to understand something puzzling and then everything falls into place or clicks into place, you suddenly understand how different pieces of information are connected and everything becomes clearer.
When the reasons behind the decision were explained, of course, it all fell into place...
But it wasn't until I saw the photograph in the paper that everything clicked into place.
33) PHRASE: V inflects If things fall into place, events happen naturally to produce a situation you want.
Once the decision was made, things fell into place rapidly...
Keep your options open and everything will fall into place.
34) PHRASE: V inflects, oft cont If you say that someone is going places, you mean that they are showing a lot of talent or ability and are likely to become very successful.
You always knew Barbara was going places, she was different.
35) PHRASE: usu n PHR People in high places are people who have powerful and influential positions in a government, society, or organization.
He had friends in high places...
The discontent has been fuelled by allegations of corruption in high places.
36) PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR If something is in place, it is in its correct or usual position. If it is out of place, it is not in its correct or usual position.
Geoff hastily pushed the drawer back into place...
Not a strand of her golden hair was out of place.
37) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v If something such as a law, a policy, or an administrative structure is in place, it is working or able to be used.
Similar legislation is already in place in Wales...
They're offended by the elaborate security measures the police have put in place.
38) PHRASE If one thing or person is used or does something in place of another, they replace the other thing or person.
Cooked kidney beans can be used in place of French beans...
Laurence Waters visited us in place of John Trethewy who was unfortunately ill...
They're nice pictures and we've nothing to put in their place.
39) PHRASE: PHR with cl/group If something has particular characteristics or features in places, it has them at several points within an area.
Even now the snow along the roadside was five or six feet deep in places...
His face was scarred and oddly puffy in places.
40) PHRASE If you say what you would have done in someone else's place, you say what you would have done if you had been in their situation and had been experiencing what they were experiencing.
In her place I wouldn't have been able to resist it...
What would you have done in my place, my dear?
41) PHRASE: PHR after v You say in the first place when you are talking about the beginning of a situation or about the situation as it was before a series of events.
What brought you to Washington in the first place?...
The emphasis is swinging away from simply finding cures for illness to ways of preventing illness in the first place...
I don't think we should have been there in the first place.
42) PHRASE: PHR with cl You say in the first place and in the second place to introduce the first and second in a series of points or reasons. In the first place can also be used to emphasize a very important point or reason.
In the first place you are not old, Norman. And in the second place, you are a very strong and appealing man...
She could not have taken these massive doses orally. In the first place, she did not have enough pills.
Syn:
firstly
43) PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR to-inf If you say that it is not your place to do something, you mean that it is not right or appropriate for you to do it, or that it is not your responsibility to do it.
He says that it is not his place to comment on government commitment to further funds...
It's not my place to do their job.
44) PHRASE: v-link PHR If someone or something seems out of place in a particular situation, they do not seem to belong there or to be suitable for that situation.
I felt out of place in my suit and tie...
Her use of the word hate sounded strange and out of place.
...a noble building that would not have been out of place along the Grand Canal in Venice.
45) PHRASE: usu poss PHR If you say that someone has found their place in the sun, you mean that they are in a job or a situation where they will be happy and have everything that they want.
46) PHRASE If you place one thing above, before, or over another, you think that the first thing is more important than the second and you show this in your behaviour.
Many provincial governments have taken advantage of this to place local interests above those of the central government...
He continued to place security above all other objectives.
Syn:
put
47) PHRASE: V inflects If you put someone in their place, you show them that they are less important or clever than they think they are.
In a few words she had not only put him in his place but delivered a precise and damning assessment of his movie.
Syn:
humble
48) PHRASE If you say that someone should be shown their place or be kept in their place, you are saying, often in a humorous way, that they should be made aware of their low status.
...an uppity publican who needs to be shown his place.
...discrimination intended to keep women soldiers in their place.
49) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR to n If one thing takes second place to another, it is considered to be less important and is given less attention than the other thing.
My personal life has had to take second place to my career.
50) PHRASE: V inflects If one thing or person takes the place of another or takes another's place, they replace the other thing or person.
Optimism was gradually taking the place of pessimism...
He eventually took Charlie's place in a popular Latin band.
Syn:
replace
51) pride of place → see pride
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
1place /ˈpleɪs/ noun, pl plac·es
1 [count] : a specific area or region of the world : a particular city, country, etc.
• Please state your place of birth and your current place of residence. [=where you were born and where you live now]
• 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
• traveling to distant/exotic/faraway/remote places
• the hottest place on earth
2 [count] : a building or area that is used for a particular purpose
• churches and other places of worship
• a place of learning/business
• You should plan to meet him in a public place.
• a local gathering/meeting place
• Muslim holy places
• ancient burial places
• We had dinner at a great little Italian place [=restaurant] downtown.
• He tried several places [=stores], but no one sold the ingredients he needed.
• You've come to the right place. I have just what you need.
• This bar is the place to be [=it is where many people go and where exciting things happen] on Saturday nights.
3 [count]
a : a building, part of a building, or area that is used for shelter
• They gave him a place to stay for the night.
b : a house, apartment, etc., where a person lives : home
• We're going to need a bigger place once the baby is born.
• He's looking to buy a place in the country.
• Shall we go to my place or yours?
• our summer place
4 [count] : a particular space or area
• This looks like a good place [=location, spot] to stop and rest.
• It's nice to have the whole family together in one place.
• Keep your jewelry and other valuables in a safe place.
• The map is torn in (some) places. [=some parts of the map are torn]
• The bone in her leg broke in two places.
• Try looking for the phrase in another place in the dictionary.
• A person can only be in one place at one time.
• The guards/chairs were not in their proper places.
• Wires carry the information from place to place. = They carry it from one place to another.
• Success is sometimes just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
• You were just unlucky; you happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
- sometimes used figuratively
• She keeps a special place in her heart for mistreated animals.
• When I left the army, I was in a very strange place mentally. [=I was in a very strange mental state]
- see also hiding place, resting place
5 [count] : a particular point that you reach in a discussion, book, etc. - usually singular
• This seems like a good place to end our discussion for today.
• He used the receipt to keep/mark his place in the book he was reading.
• She dropped the magazine on the floor and lost her place.
6 [count] : an available seat, space, or amount of room
• There's no place to sit down.
• I found a place to put my things.
• They didn't have a good place for the painting in their apartment.
• If you get to the theater before me, could you save me a place?
• “Excuse me, is this place taken?” “Yes, I'm saving it for my friend.”
• She said she couldn't see the stage and asked if he would change/trade/swap/switch places with her.
• During the ceremony, he was given a place of honor [=a seat for someone who is being honored] next to the president's wife.
• We'll have to make a place [=make a space available; make room] for our guests.
• We made a place for you at the dinner table.
7 [count] : a particular position in a line especially of people or vehicles
• I had to use the bathroom, but I didn't want to lose my place in line.
• Would you save/hold our places (in line), please?
8 [count] : a particular position during or at the end of a race or competition - usually singular
• The runner from the U.S. is currently in third place.
• Their horse finished in last place.
• The two teams are tied for second place.
• “Who took first place?” “First place went to the red team.”
9 [count]
a : a position in a group, course, organization, school, etc.
• They offered her a place [=job] on their staff.
• He started getting bad grades and lost his place on the basketball team. [=he was no longer allowed to be on the team]
• She was guaranteed a place in the college.
• There are two places still open in the course/class.
• He has friends in high places. [=friends who have power and influence]
- often used figuratively
• Her courage during the war earned her a place in history. [=she is remembered as an important person in history because of her courage during the war]
• She has an important place in the community. [=she is an important part of the community]
• He occupies a prominent place among the great musicians of our time.
b : the proper position of someone in a group or society
• The queen's servants must know their place and act accordingly. [=they must act like servants]
• It's not my place [=it is not appropriate for me] to punish other people's children.
• It was not his place to make the final decision.
10 a [singular] : an appropriate situation or setting
• There's a time and a place for everything.
• This is neither the time nor the place to talk about money.
b [count] : a particular situation or set of conditions
• Call me if you ever find yourself in a tight place.
• Anyone in her place [=position] would have done the same thing.
• I love my life and wouldn't change/trade/swap/switch places with anyone in the world!
11 [count] mathematics : the position of a digit in a number
• In the number 316, the digit 1 is in the tens place.
• Move the decimal point two places to the right.
• a number with three decimal places [=a number with three digits that follow the decimal point; a number like 2.345 or .678]
• In the number 2.468, the 4 is in the first decimal place.
12
- used in the names of streets
• He lives at 313 Jackson Place.
all over the place informal
1 : in many different areas or locations : everywhere
• New houses are springing up all over the place in that part of the country.
• The kids left their toys all over the place.
• Bullets were flying all over the place.
2 : not organized in a logical way
• Your essay lacks organization; your ideas are all over the place.
between a rock and a hard place
- see 2rock
fall into place
- see 1fall
give place to (something) formal : to be replaced by (something)
• Confidence gave place to [=(more commonly) gave way to] fear.
• Further down the street, tall office buildings give place to rows of tidy houses.
go places : to become successful
• She has enough ambition to really go places.
• The band is clearly going places.
keep (someone) in his/her place : to prevent (someone) from achieving a higher social status
• Such social rules were used to keep women in their place.
in place
1 : in the proper position
• He makes sure that every hair on his head is in place before leaving the house.
• Tape held/kept the photo in place.
• The house's walls are in place, but nothing else has been done.
• With all the performers in place, we were ready to rehearse.
2 : in the state of being used or active
• The new computer system should be in place by next Monday.
• These changes were already in place when the new president took office.
• Plans are in place for the upcoming hurricane season.
3 US : in the same location without moving forward or backward.
• To warm up before swimming practice, we run in place [=(Brit) on the spot] for five minutes.
in place of (someone or something) or in someone's or something's place : as a substitute or replacement for someone or something
• Use milk in place of [=instead of] water for creamier hot chocolate.
• In place of butter, olive oil was served with the bread.
• The prince ruled the kingdom in place of his father. = The prince ruled the kingdom in his father's place.
• She couldn't attend the meeting, so she sent her secretary in her place.
in the first place
- used at the end of a sentence to indicate what was true or what should have been done at the beginning of a situation
• We should never have gone there in the first place. [=to begin with]
• I didn't care much for the job in the first place.
in the first/second place
- used when listing the most important parts of something or the most important reasons for something
• I'm not going to tell you because, in the first place, it's none of your business, and in the second place, you would tell everyone else.
into place
1 : into the proper position
• She lowered her glasses then pushed them back into place.
2 : into the state of being used or active
• The curfew was put into place [=was established] by the town's mayor.
• The plan will be put into place over the course of several months.
no place for
- used to say that someone or something does not belong in a particular place, situation, etc.
• This party is no place for children. [=children should not be allowed at this party]
• There is no place for racism in our society.
of all places
- used to say that it is unusual or surprising that something happened in or is true about a particular place
• She met her future husband in a grocery store, of all places.
out of place
1 : not in the correct location or position
• Nothing in the room was out of place.
2 : not in a typical or appropriate situation or setting
• Their modern style home seems oddly out of place among the town's old farmhouses.
• She wouldn't look out of place on the cover of a fashion magazine.
• I feel a bit out of place [=I feel like I don't belong] with my wife's family.
• The law seems particularly out of place in today's society.
place in the sun
- see 1sun
pride of place
- see 1pride
put someone in his/her place
✦Someone who puts you in your place shows you that you are not better than other people and should not be acting in such a confident and proud way.
• He told her to stop talking, but she quickly put him in his place.
take place : to happen
• The wedding is set to take place this July.
• Negotiations are now taking place between the two governments.
• He didn't understand what had just taken place.
• Where does the story take place? [=where is the story set?]
take someone's or something's place or take the place of (someone or something) : to replace someone or something
• Who will take the king's place when he dies?
• We solved the original problem, but now a new one has taken its place.
• I was too busy to attend the meeting, so I had my secretary take my place.
• Who will take the place of the current pope?
• Televisions began to take the place of radios in most families' homes.
take your place
1 : to go to the location where you are supposed to sit, stand, etc.
• The goalie took her place on the field.
• The actors take their places on the stage and the curtain rises.
• (chiefly Brit) Ladies and gentlemen, please take your places. [=(US) take your seats] The play is about to begin.
2 : to be thought of or considered as sharing a particular rank or status with others
• He has taken his place among/alongside/beside/with history's most brutal dictators.
• The film will surely take its place among the greatest films of all time. [=will be recognized as one of the greatest films of all time]
• The hurricane will take its place in history as one of this country's worst natural disasters.