Map
/mæp/
Definitions
4 meaningsA visual representation of an area, typically showing geographical features such as cities, roads, rivers, and mountains.
/mæp/
A diagrammatic representation of an area
I used a map to find the museum.
💡 Simply: A map is like a picture that shows you where things are in a place. Imagine you're going on a treasure hunt—the map would help you find X marks the spot!
👶 For kids: A map is like a drawing that shows you where things are, like houses, roads, and parks.
More Examples
The map showed the location of the hidden treasure.
He unfolded the map, studying the terrain.
How It's Used
"The explorer used a detailed map to navigate the uncharted territory."
"Tourists often rely on maps to find their way around a new city."
A detailed plan or outline, especially one used for a complex project or process.
/mæp/
A plan or a scheme
The company created a map for its future growth.
💡 Simply: A map can also be a plan! Like, a map for a fun adventure, a map for getting your homework done or even a map to design a new business!
👶 For kids: A plan to do something, like making a Lego castle.
More Examples
They developed a map for the new product launch.
The new educational reform needed a new map.
How It's Used
"The marketing team developed a strategic map to increase brand awareness."
"The project manager created a detailed map of the project's milestones and deliverables."
To create a map of (a place or area).
/mæp/
To create a map
The explorer mapped the uncharted territory.
💡 Simply: To map means to create a map! Imagine drawing a map of your neighborhood so your friends can find your house.
👶 For kids: To draw a picture that shows where things are.
More Examples
Scientists are mapping the human genome.
He started to map out his route.
How It's Used
"The cartographer mapped the new island, detailing its coastlines and elevation."
"The software allows users to map the data onto a visual display."
To establish a correspondence or relationship between elements of two different things.
/mæp/
To establish a correspondence between elements of two different things
The system maps the input to the corresponding actions.
💡 Simply: To map something means matching things up. Like a matching game, or connecting the dots.
👶 For kids: To match things together.
More Examples
They're trying to map the genetic code to specific diseases.
She has the ability to map out the relationships between the characters.
How It's Used
"The software maps the user's input to the corresponding actions."
"Linguists map the sounds of a language onto symbols."
Synonyms
Atlas
Chart
Diagram
Blueprint
Associate
Correlate
Link
Idioms & expressions
off the map
Not known or recorded; not well-known.
"That remote island is literally off the map."
put (something) on the map
To make a place or thing well-known or famous.
"The new museum has really put our town on the map."
From Middle English *mappe*, from Old French *mappe*, from Medieval Latin *mappa* ('cloth, chart').
The use of 'map' traces back to the Middle Ages for geographical representations, evolving from simple sketches to complex charts.
Memory tip
Think of a *map* as a helpful *snap*shot of a place.