noun

areola

uh-REE-uh-luh

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Areola (noun) means the circular, darker-pigmented area of skin surrounding a nipple. Example: “The dermatologist checked the skin around her areola during the exam.”

noun

anatomy The circular, darker-pigmented area of skin surrounding a nipple.

"The dermatologist checked the skin around her areola during the exam."

"Areolae vary quite a bit in size and colour between people."

"The baby latched on to more than just the nipple, covering part of the areola too."

anatomy Any small circular area of skin or tissue that differs from what surrounds it, such as the coloured circle forming the iris around the eye's pupil.

"A pale areola formed around the healing spot."

"The inflamed areola around the pimple was tender to touch."

How to use areola

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe darker ring of skin around a nipple, or more generally any small circular patch that stands out from what is around it.

When to use it

It is an anatomical term, mostly used in medical or biological writing rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Do not confuse it with 'aureola', a different word for a halo of light.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

aureola

Common pairings

areola around the nipple size of the areola areola mammae darkened areola

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “areola” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The dermatologist checked the skin around her _____ during the exam.

Etymology

Areola was borrowed from Latin areola, meaning a small open space, itself a diminutive form of area. It is a doublet of the English word areole, both coming from the same Latin root.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for areola

Ola cola hola Zola Lola nola viola Ebola Paola Bhola Angola Nicola

See all rhymes for areola →

Frequently asked questions

What is the areola?

The areola is the circular, darker-pigmented skin that surrounds a nipple.

What is the plural of areola?

The accepted plurals are areolas or areolae.

Is areola only used for the nipple?

No, by extension it can describe any small circular area that differs from its surroundings, such as the ring around the pupil of the eye.

What is the meaning of areola?

"areola" (noun) means the circular, darker-pigmented area of skin surrounding a nipple.