map
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for map, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A drawing or diagram showing the layout of an area, such as roads, borders, or landmarks.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use map
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Shortened from Middle English mappemounde, "map of the world," ultimately from Latin mappa mundi — mappa meaning "cloth" (a map was once drawn on cloth) and mundi meaning "of the world."
Full origin of map →Frequently asked questions
What does “map” mean?
The word “map” means a drawing or diagram showing the layout of an area, such as roads, borders, or landmarks. In plain terms, a representation of an area or system — or, as a verb, the act of creating or linking such a representation.
How do you pronounce “map”?
“Map” is pronounced map (/mæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “map” in a sentence?
Here is “map” used in a sentence: “She unfolded a map to find the quickest route to the coast.”
What part of speech is “map”?
Depending on how it is used, “map” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “map” come from?
The word “map” comes from Latin. Shortened from Middle English mappemounde, "map of the world," ultimately from Latin mappa mundi — mappa meaning "cloth" (a map was once drawn on cloth) and mundi meaning "of the world.".
Is “map” a common word?
“Map” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “map” have?
“Map” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a drawing or diagram showing the layout of an area, such as roads, borders, or landmarks.
What is the difference between a map and a globe?
A map is a flat drawing of an area, from a single street to the whole world, easy to fold, carry, and mark up. A globe is a three-dimensional model of the Earth on a sphere. Because a globe keeps the planet's true round shape, it shows sizes and distances more accurately than a flat map.
What are the different types of maps?
Maps come in many kinds. Political maps show countries, borders, and cities; physical maps show natural features like mountains and rivers; topographic maps show elevation with contour lines. Road maps aid driving, while climate, population, and other thematic maps display specific data. Today many maps are digital and interactive.
What is the difference between a map and an atlas?
A map is a single drawing of one area. An atlas is a bound collection of many maps gathered in one volume, often covering a whole country or the world, with an index to find places. Put simply, an atlas is a book made up of many individual maps.
What is a map key or legend?
A map key, also called a legend, is the small box that explains what the map's symbols, colours, and lines mean. It might show that a blue line is a river, a red line a main road, or a green patch a park. The key lets you read the map correctly.