The term "places" refers to specific locations, areas, or positions where events occur or where people or objects can be found. It can denote both physical spaces, such as a city or a room, and abstract concepts, like a role in society or a position in a ranking.
The word "place" comes from Middle English "place," which derives from Old French "place," meaning "a square, an open space, or a position," and further traces back to Latin "platea," meaning "broad way" or "open space."