map
map
Map (noun) means a drawing or diagram showing the layout of an area, such as roads, borders, or landmarks. Example: “We checked the map at the station before choosing which path to walk.”
noun
1
A drawing or diagram showing the layout of an area, such as roads, borders, or landmarks.
"We checked the map at the station before choosing which path to walk."
"She unfolded a map to find the quickest route to the coast."
"The old map showed a village that no longer exists."
2
A diagram representing how the parts of a system or structure relate to each other.
"The consultant drew a map showing how each department depends on the others."
"A concept map on the whiteboard linked every idea in the lesson together."
"The company published a map of its organizational structure."
3
(mathematics/computing) A function or rule that pairs each item in one set with an item in another.
"In maths, a map from the numbers to their squares pairs each number with one result."
"This map takes every word in the list and returns its length."
"The programmer wrote a map that converts each username into a numeric ID."
verb
1
To make a map of an area, or to represent something as a map.
"Volunteers mapped the footpaths around the village for a new walking guide."
"Explorers spent years mapping the coastline."
"Scientists have mapped the entire human genome."
2
(computing) To assign or link one set of values to another.
"The program maps each product code to a name in the database."
"You can map the left button to whatever action you like."
"The software maps each keyboard shortcut to a specific command."
How to use map
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA representation of an area or system — or, as a verb, the act of creating or linking such a representation.
Common pairings
map out a route
map a genome
mind map
map data to a field
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Word forms
- Plural
- maps
- Third person singular
- maps
- Past tense
- mapped
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We checked the _____ at the station before choosing which path to walk.
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."
Synonyms
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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.
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