n.
- a particular position or point in space; a location.
▸informal a person's home.
▸a point in a book reached by a reader at a particular time.
- a portion of space available or designated for someone.
▸a vacancy or available position:
a place at university.
▸the regular or proper position of something:
lay each slab in place.
- a position in a sequence or hierarchy.
▸a person's rank or status.
▸a specific role or position:
it's not my place to ask.
▸Brit. any of the first three or sometimes four positions in a race.
▸N. Amer. the second position, especially in a horse race.
- the position of a figure in a series indicated in decimal notation:
calculate the ratios to one decimal place.
-
[in place names]
a square or short street.
v.
- put in a particular position.
- find an appropriate place or role for.
▸arrange for the implementation of (an order, bet, etc.).
▸order or obtain a connection for (a telephone call).
▸dispose of (something, especially shares) by selling.
- allocate or award a specified position in a sequence or hierarchy.
▸
(be placed)
Brit. achieve a specified position in a race.
▸be among the first three or four in a race (or the first three in the US).
- remember the relevant background of:
she eventually said she couldn't place him.
- Rugby & American Football score (a goal) by a place kick.
Phrase
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr., from an alt. of L. platea ‘open space’, from Gk plateia (hodos) ‘broad (way)’.