Asphalt: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this term when referring to the material commonly used for road surfaces and pavements. This is a general term and is widely recognized.

• The city plans to repave the main street with asphalt next month.
• Asphalt roads are very common in urban areas due to their durability.

This term is used more in construction and engineering contexts, particularly when referring to the sticky, black, and highly viscous form of petroleum or for describing the substance in its raw state.

• Bitumen is a key ingredient in making good-quality asphalt for roads.
• Engineers tested the bitumen to ensure it meets safety standards.

This term refers to the dark, thick substance that is derived from wood or coal and is used for sealing and waterproofing. It's less commonly used to describe road surfaces, but more for the substance itself. It may have a slightly negative connotation due to its sticky and messy nature.

• The workers applied tar to the roof to prevent leaks.
• Her shoes got stuck in the fresh tar on the road.

Use this term to describe the surface of a road, sidewalk, or path that is designed for walking or driving. It's often used to refer to sidewalks specifically in American English.

• Watch out for cracks in the pavement while walking to school.
• The city council is investing in better pavement for pedestrian areas.

Commonly used in road construction and paving, suitable for describing streets, highways, and other paved surfaces.

• The city is planning to repave the main street with asphalt.
• The asphalt on this road needs maintenance.

A more general term referring to any materials used in the construction or repair of roofs. Can include shingles, tiles, metal sheets, etc.

• Choosing the right roofing material is crucial for durability.
• There are many types of roofing materials available on the market.

Specific to residential or commercial roofing, these are individual overlapping elements used to protect a roof from the weather.

• We need to replace some of the roof shingles after the storm.
• The roof shingles come in different colors and materials.