Junction: meaning, definitions and examples

🛤️
Add to dictionary

junction

 

[ ˈdʒʌŋkʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

road

A point where two or more roads meet, especially one with a signal or sign to control traffic.

Synonyms

crossing, crossroad, intersection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
junction

A place where two or more roads or railway lines meet or cross each other. Often used in a more technical or formal context, such as in maps or transportation systems.

  • The train stopped at the junction where the two lines merge.
  • There is a petrol station at the junction of Route 66 and Highway 1.
intersection

The point where two or more roads meet and cross each other at the same level. Commonly used in everyday language to describe traffic junctions in urban areas.

  • Traffic lights control the flow of cars at the intersection.
  • There was an accident at the intersection due to poor visibility.
crossroad

A point where two roads intersect, often used metaphorically to indicate a critical decision point in life or a situation. It might not always refer to a literal road intersection.

  • He stood at the crossroad, uncertain of which path to take.
  • The village is located at a crossroad of two major highways.
crossing

A location where pedestrians or vehicles can cross a road, street, or railway safely. Commonly used to describe places like pedestrian crossings, zebra crossings, or railway crossings.

  • Make sure to use the pedestrian crossing to get to the other side of the street.
  • The school installed a new crossing to ensure the safety of the students.

Examples of usage

  • We stopped at the junction to check the map.
  • The junction was busy with cars coming from all directions.
Context #2 | Noun

railway

A place where two or more railway lines meet or cross.

Synonyms

fork, interchange, switch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
junction

Used to describe a place where two or more roads or railway lines meet or cross each other. Typically found in urban planning or transportation contexts.

  • There was an accident at the junction, causing a major traffic jam.
  • You should take a left turn at the next junction to reach the gas station.
interchange

Specifically used to refer to major road intersections that allow traffic to transition between different highways or roads without traffic lights, often involving overpasses or underpasses. Common in discussions of highway systems.

  • The new highway interchange significantly reduced traffic congestion.
  • You need to take the interchange to get onto the interstate.
switch

Often used in the context of changing tracks on a railway or shifting from one side to another. It can also refer to changing options or choices in various settings.

  • The train had to wait for the switch before it could proceed.
  • You should switch lanes carefully on a busy road.
fork

Commonly used to refer to a point where a road or river splits into two or more branches. Can also be used metaphorically to describe a decision point where one must choose between different options.

  • Take the right fork in the road to reach the campsite.
  • At this fork in life, you need to choose your career path.

Examples of usage

  • The train had to slow down as it approached the junction.
  • The railway junction connected different parts of the country.

Translations

Translations of the word "junction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 junção

🇮🇳 संयोजन

🇩🇪 Verbindung

🇮🇩 persimpangan

🇺🇦 перехрестя

🇵🇱 skrzyżowanie

🇯🇵 接続

🇫🇷 jonction

🇪🇸 cruce

🇹🇷 kavşak

🇰🇷 교차점

🇸🇦 تقاطع

🇨🇿 křižovatka

🇸🇰 križovatka

🇨🇳 交叉点

🇸🇮 križišče

🇮🇸 skil

🇰🇿 қиылыс

🇬🇪 გასაყარი

🇦🇿 kəsişmə

🇲🇽 cruce

Etymology

The word 'junction' originated in the late 17th century from the Latin word 'junctio', meaning a joining or connecting. It has been used to describe points of connection or meeting, both in terms of roads and railway lines, for centuries.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,854, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.