area code

Definition

A three-digit numerical prefix used in North American telephone numbering to identify a specific geographic region or metropolitan area. It precedes the seven-digit local phone number and is enclosed in parentheses or separated by a hyphen (e.g., (212) or 415-).

Example Usage

I need to call my cousin in California, so I dialed 1-510 before her seven-digit number.

Origin

Introduced by AT&T in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan to route long-distance calls automatically.

Fun Fact

The first area code assigned was 201 (New Jersey), and 212 (Manhattan) was one of the original codes—both remain in use today.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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