locale

noun

lo·​cale lō-ˈkal How to pronounce locale (audio)
Synonyms of locale
1
: a place or locality especially when viewed in relation to a particular event or characteristic
chose a tropical island as the locale for their wedding
2
: site, scene
the locale of a story

Synonyms of locale

Relevance
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Examples of locale in a Sentence

They chose a tropical island as the locale for their wedding. the locale of the story
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Readers suggested some of their favorite LGBTQ business and locales. — Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 Thornden Park, where Sebold had been assaulted, was both a refuge and a menacing locale adjacent to the university. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 The calming locales both complement and contradict the plot’s revelations, which are hardly bombshells but do speak to how well-to-do families labor to shove inconvenient skeletons into the closet. — Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 For multi-sport trips, one unique and specialized option is adventure lodges, small hotels in top outdoor locales that have their own guides and offer a daily slate of activity options, typically including hikes, biking, horseback riding and more. — Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for locale

Word History

Etymology

modification of French local, from local, adjective

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of locale was in 1761

Rhymes for locale

See All Rhymes for locale

Browse Nearby Words

local colorist
locale
local freight
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Locale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/locale. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

locale

noun
lo·​cale lō-ˈkal How to pronounce locale (audio)
: a place where something happens or is supposed to happen
the locale of the accident
the locale of a play

More from Merriam-Webster on locale

Nglish: Translation of locale for Spanish Speakers

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