Car park Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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car park
[ˈkɑː ˌpɑːk ]
Definition
parking facility
A car park is a designated area where vehicles can be parked. It is usually a paid facility, and it can be indoors or outdoors. Car parks are commonly found near shopping centers, airports, and public buildings.
Synonyms
parking garage, parking lot.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| car park |
Used primarily in British English to describe a designated area where cars can be parked. It is generally an outdoor space.
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| parking lot |
Commonly used in American English to describe an outdoor area where cars can be parked. It is often found in retail and commercial areas.
|
| parking garage |
Used mainly in American English to refer to a multi-level covered structure where cars can be parked. It is often found in urban areas.
|
Examples of usage
- The car park was full, so I had to drive around looking for a space.
- We parked our car in the underground car park of the mall.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Urban Development
- Car parks can take many forms, including multi-story structures, surface lots, or on-street parking.
- The design of car parks often considers traffic flow and safety, aiming for efficient use of space.
- In some cities, car parks incorporate technology, such as apps to find empty spaces or payment systems to reduce congestion.
Cultural Impact
- Car parks are often hotspots for social gatherings, with people meeting in these spaces for events or informal socializing.
- In popular films and TV shows, car parks have been depicted as places where action unfolds, creating memorable scenes.
- Art installations have even appeared in car parks, transforming them into spaces of creativity and community engagement.
Environmental Considerations
- Innovative designs for car parks include green roofs and solar panels, promoting sustainability.
- Some cities are introducing 'park and ride' initiatives to reduce congestion, allowing commuters to park outside the city center and take public transport.
- The expansion of car parks can lead to decreased green spaces, prompting discussions on environmental impact and urban planning.
Economic Aspects
- Car parks often serve as revenue sources for cities and private companies through parking fees.
- In urban areas, the availability and cost of car parking can greatly affect local businesses and real estate prices.
- Investment in car parks can increase property values, making them an essential factor in urban development.
Origin of 'car park'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'car park' originates from British English, where 'park' means to place a vehicle.
- In American English, the term 'parking lot' is commonly used instead of 'car park'.
- The word 'park' comes from the Old French word 'parc', meaning an enclosed area or space.
The term 'car park' originated in the UK in the early 20th century. It was initially used to refer to an area where cars could be parked, and it has since become a common term in many English-speaking countries. The concept of car parks has evolved over time to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles on the roads.