Lane: meaning, definitions and examples

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lane

[leɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

road

A narrow road, especially in a rural area.

Synonyms

path, road, track.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lane	Refers to a narrow road, often used to describe smaller roads in rural or residential areas. It can also refer to a specific division on multi-lane roads meant for certain types of vehicles or traffic. She enjoyed walking down the quiet lane behind her house. Stay in your lane while driving on the highway.
road	A broad term for any kind of paved or unpaved route meant for vehicle travel. It can be urban or rural and is the most general term of the group. We followed the road to the nearest town. The road was blocked due to construction.
path	Used for narrower routes meant for walking, hiking, or biking. These are often found in parks, forests, or countryside and are less formal than roads. The path through the woods leads to a beautiful waterfall. There is a bike path around the lake.
track	Often refers to a rough or unpaved route, commonly used for rural trails or routes used by off-road vehicles. It can also refer to a racing track. The old track through the farm was rarely used. They raced their cars around the dirt track.

Examples of usage

The car swerved to avoid a pothole in the lane.
The cyclists rode in a single file along the lane.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

bowling

One of the sections into which a bowling alley is divided, including the area for a player to stand and the pins.

Synonyms

alley, path, track.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lane	Duplicate entry for 'lane'.
alley	Refers to a narrow passageway between buildings, usually in urban areas. The kids played in the alley behind their apartment building. She walked quickly down the dark alley.
track	Used to refer to a rough, unpaved road or a path made by frequent use, often in rural areas. The farmer drove his tractor down the muddy track. They followed the animal tracks through the snow.
path	Typically used for narrow trails often used for walking, biking, or hiking. We followed the path through the forest. There is a beautiful path alongside the river.

Examples of usage

The bowler knocked down all the pins in the far lane.
She aimed for the center of the lane for a strike.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

aviation

A designated route followed by aircraft during takeoff and landing.

Synonyms

approach route, flight path, runway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lane	Use in the context of roads or highways to describe a specific path allocated for vehicles. Stay in your lane while driving. The highway has a new carpool lane.
runway	Primarily used in the context of airports to describe the long, flat surface on which aircraft take off and land. The plane taxied down the runway before takeoff. The new runway can accommodate larger aircraft.
flight path	Used to describe the actual path or trajectory of an aircraft in flight from one point to another. The flight path took us over the mountains. The drone's flight path was carefully monitored.
approach route	Most often used in the context of air travel to describe the specified path an aircraft follows when preparing to land. The pilot followed the approach route for a smooth landing. Air traffic control directed us to a new approach route.

Examples of usage

The pilot taxied the plane to the runway and lined up with the designated lane.
Air traffic control cleared the aircraft to enter the lane for takeoff.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'lane' comes from the Old English word 'lanu', which means a narrow way or a path.
Historically, the term was used to describe a small road between hedges or walls, often found in rural areas.
The concept of lanes has existed since ancient times, as communities needed designated paths for transport.

Urban Planning

In cities, lanes play a crucial role in traffic management, helping to reduce congestion by allowing organized flow.
Bike lanes are becoming increasingly popular, encouraging eco-friendly transportation methods.
Lanes can vary in design, from quiet residential roads to busy thoroughfares.

Sports

In swimming, athletes compete in designated lanes, each marked to ensure fair competition.
In track and field, runners have their own lanes on the track to prevent bumping into each other during races.
Bowling also uses lanes, where players roll the ball down an alley designated just for them.

Culture

In some cultures, narrow lanes in cities are known for their unique charm, often packed with shops and cafes.
Poets and writers often use 'lane' metaphorically to describe life paths, choices, or journeys.
Lanes have inspired various artworks, representing both physical and emotional journeys.

Technology

In broadband technology, lanes refer to separate frequencies used to transmit more data simultaneously without interference.
In software development, lanes can also describe different pathways for coding tasks or project management.
Self-driving cars utilize lanes as part of their navigation systems to maintain safe and efficient routes.

Translations

Translations of the word "lane" in other languages:

🇵🇹 faixa

pista
via

🇮🇳 गली

🇩🇪 Spur

🇮🇩 jalur

🇺🇦 смуга

🇵🇱 pas

🇯🇵 車線 (shasen)

🇫🇷 voie

🇪🇸 carril

🇹🇷 şerit

🇰🇷 차선 (chaseon)

🇸🇦 مسار

🇨🇿 pruh

🇸🇰 pruh

🇨🇳 车道 (chēdào)

🇸🇮 pas

🇮🇸 akrein

🇰🇿 жолақ

🇬🇪 ზოლი (zoli)

🇦🇿 zolaq

🇲🇽 carril

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,277 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6274 executives
6275 lightning
6276 tactics
6277 lane
6278 incidental
6279 fractions
6280 loam
...