penalty area


noun Soccer.

the area, 44 yards (40 meters) wide and 18 yards (16 meters) deep, centered on the goal line and extending in front of the goal, where a foul by a defensive player results in a penalty kick for the offensive team.

Origin of penalty area

First recorded in 1900–05

British Dictionary definitions for penalty area

penalty area

noun

soccer a rectangular area in front of the goal, within which the goalkeeper may handle the ball and within which a penalty is awarded for a foul by the defending team