arcade

The word “arcade” means a covered passage or row of shops, often lined with arches, or a venue with coin-operated games. In plain terms, a covered walkway of shops, or a place full of coin-operated games.

“Arcade” is pronounced ah-KAYD (/ɑɹˈkeɪd/ in IPA).

Here is “arcade” used in a sentence: “We spent our Saturday afternoon in the video game arcade.”

“Arcade” is a noun.

The word “arcade” comes from Latin. From French arcade, from Italian arcata, "the arch of a bridge", ultimately from Latin arcus, "an arc" — not related to "Arcadia".

“Arcade” is an uncommon word in modern English.

An arcade traditionally refers to a covered passage or row of shops, often lined with arches, and is typically smaller and more architecturally distinct than a mall. In modern usage, arcade more commonly refers to a venue filled with coin-operated games, which is a different concept entirely from either a shopping arcade or a mall.

The term carried over from the older meaning of arcade as a covered walkway or gallery, since early coin-operated games were often installed in such passages and shopping galleries. Over time, "arcade" became strongly associated with the games themselves rather than the architectural space.

Yes, in architecture an arcade describes a covered passage or walkway lined with a series of arches, often found in older shopping streets or building facades. This is the original sense of the word, predating its use for game venues.