Garage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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garage

[หˆษกรฆr.ษชdส’ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

place for storing vehicles

A garage is a building or space used for storing vehicles, typically cars. It can also be used for storing tools, equipment, or other items. Garages are often attached to houses or located near homes.

Synonyms

carport, shed, storage.

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Word Description / Examples
garage

An enclosed building where vehicles are parked and repaired. Often found attached to homes or as separate structures.

  • I parked my car in the garage.
  • John spent the afternoon fixing his car in the garage.
carport

An open-sided roofed structure used for sheltering vehicles. Commonly attached to homes but can be freestanding.

  • We built a carport to protect our car from the snow.
  • The carport keeps the rain off my car.
shed

A small building, usually made of wood or metal, used for storing tools, garden equipment, or other items. Generally located in a backyard.

  • I keep my lawnmower in the shed.
  • The shed is where we store all the gardening tools.
storage

A place or facility for keeping items safe when they are not in use. Can refer to a room, building, or specific area within a building.

  • We rented a storage unit for the furniture.
  • The basement has lots of storage space. This word generally has a more neutral context compared to a shed, specifically focused on the function of storing items rather than the structure itself.

Examples of usage

  • I parked my car in the garage.
  • The garage is full of boxes and tools.
  • She keeps her bicycle in the garage.
Context #2 | Noun

mechanic's workplace

In some cases, a garage can refer to a mechanic's workplace where vehicles are repaired or serviced. This type of garage is equipped with tools, equipment, and machinery for automotive maintenance.

Synonyms

auto shop, workshop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
garage

A place where cars are repaired or maintained. This term can be used interchangeably with 'auto shop,' especially in British English.

  • My car broke down, so I had to take it to the garage
  • The garage fixed my car quickly
workshop

A place where work involving tools and machinery is done, not limited to car repairs. It can refer to various types of workspaces.

  • He spends a lot of his weekends in the workshop, building furniture
  • The workshop is equipped with all the necessary tools for crafting
auto shop

A place where cars can be repaired and maintained by mechanics. This term is commonly used in North America.

  • I took my car to the auto shop for an oil change
  • The auto shop is open from 9 AM to 6 PM

Examples of usage

  • The mechanic is working in the garage.
  • They took their car to the garage for repairs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Modern garages can have multiple purposes, including storage spaces for tools, bikes, or even as a workshop area.
  • The design of garages often influences the overall aesthetic of homes, with many homeowners opting for attached garages to enhance convenience.

Pop Culture

  • Garages have been featured in many movies as a backdrop for significant moments, including car repairs and family discussions.
  • The term 'garage sale' became popular in the 1970s, where people sell unwanted items from their garages to neighbors.

Science and Technology

  • Many automobile advances, such as electric vehicles, have prompted changes in garage designs to accommodate charging stations.
  • The invention of the automatic garage door opener revolutionized the convenience and safety of using a garage.

Social History

  • In the 1950s, garages began to be recognized as valuable spaces for leisure activities, such as hobbies and DIY projects.
  • The popularity of garage bands in the 1960s highlighted how garages became communal spaces for creativity and music.

Origin of 'garage'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French verb 'garer', which means 'to shelter' or 'to protect'.
  • Initially, 'garage' referred specifically to a place to store carriages before cars became popular.

The word 'garage' originated from French, meaning a shelter for vehicles. It was first used in English in the early 20th century. Garages have become an essential part of modern homes, providing storage and protection for vehicles.


Word Frequency Rank

At #7,409 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.