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Parking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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parking

[ˈpɑːrkɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

car park

Parking is the act of stopping a vehicle and leaving it somewhere for a period of time.

Synonyms

car park, parking lot, parking space.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
parking

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.
car park

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.
parking lot

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.
parking space

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.

Examples of usage

  • I couldn't find a parking space near the restaurant.
  • The parking lot was full, so I had to park on the street.
Context #2 | Noun

parking violation

Parking can also refer to the illegal or improper stopping of a vehicle, often resulting in a fine or penalty.

Synonyms

parking offense, parking violation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
parking

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
parking offense

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
parking violation

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

Examples of usage

  • He received a parking ticket for parking in a no-parking zone.
  • The city enforces strict parking regulations to prevent congestion.
Context #3 | Noun

parking structure

A parking structure is a building or facility designed to accommodate multiple parked vehicles, typically in urban areas.

Synonyms

multi-storey car park, parking garage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
parking

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
parking garage

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
multi-storey car park

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

Examples of usage

  • The parking structure at the airport can hold thousands of cars.
  • We parked our car in the underground parking structure.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word has roots in the 14th century, derived from Old French 'parc', meaning an enclosed area.
  • In the 20th century, with the rise of automobiles, the concept of parking evolved significantly, leading to the creation of large parking lots and garages.
  • The first multi-story parking garage was built in 1918 in New York City to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles.

Cultural Significance

  • In urban areas, parking regulations often reflect local culture and lifestyle, balancing vehicle needs with pedestrian spaces.
  • Certain cities have embraced 'parklets', converting parking spaces into mini-parks for community use.
  • Cultural differences affect parking norms; for instance, in some cities, double parking is common, while in others, it's heavily penalized.

Science and Technology

  • Modern parking systems are evolving with the advance of technology, introducing smart parking solutions that help find available spaces.
  • Self-parking cars use sensors and cameras to navigate into parking spaces, aiming to reduce accidents and improve convenience.
  • Research has shown that inefficient parking contributes to traffic congestion, prompting cities to rethink urban planning.

Psychology

  • The frustration of finding parking can lead to increased stress and anxiety, impacting drivers' mood and focus.
  • Studies suggest that the design and accessibility of parking spaces affect people's decisions to visit certain locations.
  • Parking often reflects social status, with premium spots in high-demand areas perceived as more valuable.

Environmental Impact

  • City planners are increasingly considering the environmental impacts of parking, such as paving over green spaces, which can contribute to urban heat islands.
  • Reducing parking spaces in favor of public transit options can encourage more sustainable lifestyles and decrease vehicle emissions.
  • Innovative designs, like green roofs on parking garages, aim to mitigate environmental effects while providing functional space.

Origin of 'parking'

The word 'parking' originates from the verb 'park', which comes from Middle English 'parken', meaning 'to enclose (land) for a park or pasture'. The concept of designated areas for vehicles to stop and remain temporarily emerged with the rise of automobiles in the 20th century, leading to the term 'parking' becoming commonly used in the context of vehicle storage.

See also: park, parka.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,817, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.