Corridor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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corridor

[ˈkɒrɪdɔː ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a building

A long, narrow passage in a building, with doors leading into rooms on either side.

Synonyms

gallery, hallway, passageway.

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Word Description / Examples
corridor

Commonly used to describe long, narrow spaces within buildings, typically found in schools, hospitals, offices, or hotels.

  • The office is located at the end of the corridor.
  • She walked down the corridor to reach her classroom.
hallway

Typically used in residential settings to describe a corridor or passage within a house or apartment.

  • The hallway was decorated with family photos.
  • She heard footsteps echoing in the hallway.
passageway

A general term that can refer to a narrow space connecting different areas within buildings, tunnels, or even natural formations like caves.

  • The passageway led to a hidden chamber.
  • They navigated through a dark, narrow passageway.
gallery

Often refers to a space used to display art or exhibitions. It can also mean an area within a theater or museum.

  • We visited the art gallery to see the new exhibit.
  • The gallery was full of visitors admiring the paintings.

Examples of usage

  • She walked down the corridor to her office.
  • The hotel corridor was lined with paintings.
Context #2 | Noun

in a hospital

A long passage in a hospital with rooms on either side where patients are housed.

Synonyms

aisle, passage, ward.

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Word Description / Examples
corridor

Typically refers to long hallways inside buildings, especially in schools, offices, hospitals, or hotels, where several rooms open into it.

  • The teacher told the students to walk quietly in the corridor.
  • The hotel room is at the end of the corridor.
ward

Used specifically in hospital settings to refer to large rooms or areas where patients are accommodated.

  • The nurse checked on the patients in the surgical ward.
  • He was admitted to the pediatric ward.
aisle

Commonly used for the walkways between rows of seats in places like theaters, airplanes, churches, or between shelves in supermarkets.

  • She walked down the aisle with her father on her wedding day.
  • Please keep the aisles clear for safety.
passage

Refers to narrower, sometimes secret or less frequently used pathways inside buildings or leading to different parts of a structure.

  • The old castle had many hidden passages.
  • There is a passage connecting the two buildings.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor rushed down the corridor to the emergency room.
  • The corridors of the hospital were busy with nurses and doctors.
Context #3 | Noun

in a school

A hallway in a school connecting different classrooms and facilities.

Synonyms

hallway, passageway, walkway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
corridor

Commonly found in office buildings, hotels, and schools, this word is used to describe a long, narrow area with rooms on either side.

  • The conference room is at the end of the corridor.
  • Students rushed through the corridor to get to their next class.
hallway

Frequently used in residential and smaller buildings; it refers to a passage inside a house or apartment leading to different rooms.

  • I left my shoes in the hallway.
  • They decorated the hallway with family photos.
passageway

Often refers to a narrow route or corridor that connects different parts of a building or different places; it may imply a more confined or less frequently used space.

  • The secret passageway led to a hidden chamber.
  • The passageway between the buildings is not well-lit.
walkway

Typically refers to a path designed for people to walk on, often outdoors or linking different buildings; it implies a dedicated pedestrian route.

  • The walkway through the park is very scenic.
  • A covered walkway connects the main building to the library.

Examples of usage

  • Students chatted in the corridor between classes.
  • The lockers lined the school corridor.

Translations

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Origin of 'corridor'

The word 'corridor' originated from the French word 'corridore', which came from the Italian 'corridoio', ultimately derived from the Latin word 'corrida', meaning 'to run'. Originally, a corridor referred to a running place or racecourse. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe a passageway in a building. Corridors have been an essential architectural feature in buildings for centuries, providing pathways for movement and access to different rooms and spaces.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,970 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.