place

noun

• 1a particular position or point in space:there were still some remote places in the world the monastery was a peaceful place that street was no place for a lady
• a particular point on a larger surface or in a larger object or area:he lashed out and cut the policeman’s hand in three places
• a building or area used for a specified purpose or activity:the town has many excellent eating places
• informal a person’s home:what about dinner at my place?
• a point in a book or other text reached by a reader at a particular time:I must have lost my place in the script

• 2a portion of space available or designated for or being used by someone:they hurried to their places at the table he was watching from his place across the room
• a vacancy or available position:she won a place to study German at the university
• the regular or proper position of something:lay each slab in place
• a person’s rank or status:occupation structures a person’s place in society
• [usually with negative] a right or privilege resulting from someone’s role or position:I’m sure she has a story to tell, but it’s not my place to ask
• the role played by or importance attached to someone or something in a particular context:the place of computers in improving office efficiency varies between companies

• 3a position in a sequence, in particular.
• a position in a contest:his score was good enough to leave him in ninth place
• North American the second position, especially in a horse race.
• British any of the first three or sometimes four positions in a race (used especially of the second, third, or fourth positions).
• the degree of priority given to something:accurate reportage takes second place to lurid detail
• the position of a figure in a series indicated in decimal or similar notation, especially one after the decimal point:calculate the ratios to one decimal place

• 4(in place names) a square or a short street:our new restaurant is in Hilliard Place
• a country house with its grounds.

verb

• 1put in a particular position:a newspaper had been placed beside my plate
• cause to be in a particular situation:enemy officers were placed under arrest you are not placing yourself under any obligation
• used to express the attitude someone has toward someone or something:I am not able to place any trust in you
• (be placed) used to indicate the degree of advantage or convenience enjoyed by someone or something as a result of their position or circumstances: [with infinitive]:the company is well placed to seize the opportunity

• 2find a home or employment for:the children were placed with foster parents the agency had placed 3,000 people in full-time jobs
• dispose of (something, especially shares) by selling to a customer.
• arrange for the recognition and implementation of (an order, bet, etc.):they placed a contract for three boats
• order or obtain a connection for (a telephone call) through an operator.

• 3identify or classify as being of a specified type or as holding a specified position in a sequence or hierarchy:a survey placed the company 13th for achievement
• [with object, usually with negative] remember where one has seen or how one comes to recognize (someone or something):she eventually said she couldn’t place him
• (be placed) British achieve a specified position in a race:he was placed eleventh in the long individual race
• [no object] be among the first three in a race (or the first three or four in the UK).