Parking: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in general terms to refer to the action or process of stopping and leaving a vehicle in a designated spot.

• Finding parking in the city can be challenging.
• The parking regulations are strictly enforced here.

Commonly used in British English to describe a designated area where multiple cars can be parked.

• We should meet at the car park near the mall.
• The car park is almost full on weekends.

Commonly used in American English to refer to a large area designed for parking multiple vehicles, usually associated with commercial or public buildings.

• I left my car in the parking lot behind the supermarket.
• The parking lot was packed after the concert.

Describes a single spot designated for parking one vehicle, either on the street or within a larger parking area.

• I finally found a parking space near the entrance.
• Reserved parking spaces are available for employees.

Refers to the act or process of stopping and leaving a vehicle in a designated spot. This term is neutral and is used in everyday language.

• I found a parking spot near the entrance
• The parking lot is full today

Used in legal or formal contexts to describe a situation where a vehicle is parked illegally, breaking specific parking rules or regulations. This term has a formal tone.

• He received a ticket for a parking offense near the school
• Parking offenses are taken very seriously in this city

Similar to 'parking offense,' it indicates that a vehicle has been parked in a manner that violates parking laws or restrictions. This term is often used officially and can carry a negative connotation.

• The car was towed due to a parking violation
• Parking violations can result in fines and other penalties

Again, this is the general term. The context is usually more informal or day-to-day use when referring simply to the act or space for parking.

• Is there any parking available near the venue? I need to find parking before the concert starts

This term usually refers to a building or a structure designed for parking cars, typically found in urban areas. In American English, it often implies a multi-level structure.

• The parking garage was full, so we had to find street parking
• She always parks in the parking garage downtown because it's safer

This term is specific to a building with multiple floors or levels designated for parking cars. It's commonly used in the UK and is often found in busy urban areas.

• We parked our car in a multi-storey car park near the shopping center
• The office building has a multi-storey car park for employees