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Sidewalk: meaning, definitions and examples

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sidewalk

[ ˈsaɪdwɔːk ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

walking surface

A sidewalk is a path along the side of a street or road, typically paved for pedestrians to walk on.

Synonyms

footpath, pavement, walkway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sidewalk	Commonly used in American English to refer to the paved path alongside a road for pedestrians. She walked down the sidewalk to get to the store. Please stay on the sidewalk for your safety.
pavement	Used in British English to refer to the sidewalk. In American English, 'pavement' typically means the surface of a road. The children were playing on the pavement. Be careful not to step off the pavement into the busy street.
footpath	More frequently used in British English and can refer to a path specifically meant for walking, often found in rural or suburban areas. They followed the footpath through the countryside. There's a lovely footpath that runs along the river.
walkway	Used to refer to any path or passage designed for walking. It can be outdoors or indoors and doesn't necessarily have to be next to a road. The walkway through the park is beautifully maintained. They installed a new walkway connecting the buildings.

Examples of usage

I always walk on the sidewalk when I go for a stroll in the neighborhood.
The children rode their bikes on the sidewalk to stay safe from the traffic.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

American English term

In American English, a sidewalk is the same as a pavement or footpath in British English.

Synonyms

footpath, pavement, walkway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sidewalk	Primarily used in American English, it refers to the paved path beside a road for walking. I walked down the sidewalk to get to the store. Please stay on the sidewalk for safety.
pavement	In British English, it means the paved path at the side of a road for pedestrians. In American English, 'pavement' usually refers to the hard surface of a road. Mind the pavement when crossing the street. (British English) The pavement is cracked and needs repair. (American English)
footpath	Commonly used in British English, it indicates a path designed for pedestrians, which can be paved or unpaved. The footpath through the park is scenic. They followed the footpath along the river.
walkway	This term is used to describe both indoor and outdoor paths designed for walking, including pedestrian bridges and paths in parks. The walkway to the entrance is beautifully decorated. They installed a new walkway over the busy road.

Examples of usage

In the USA, people walk on the sidewalk, while in the UK, they walk on the pavement.

Translations

Translations of the word "sidewalk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 calçada

🇮🇳 फुटपाथ (Footpath)

🇩🇪 Bürgersteig

🇮🇩 trotoar

🇺🇦 тротуар

🇵🇱 chodnik

🇯🇵 歩道 (Hodō)

🇫🇷 trottoir

🇪🇸 acera

🇹🇷 kaldırım

🇰🇷 인도 (Indo)

🇸🇦 رصيف (Raseef)

🇨🇿 chodník

🇸🇰 chodník

🇨🇳 人行道 (Rénxíngdào)

🇸🇮 pločnik

🇮🇸 gangstétt

🇰🇿 жаяу жүргіншілер жолы

🇬🇪 ტროტუარი (Trotuari)

🇦🇿 səkilər

🇲🇽 banqueta

Etymology

The word 'sidewalk' originated in the United States in the early 19th century. It was originally used to refer to the footpath running along the side of a street. The term 'sidewalk' reflects the purpose of the path, which is to provide a safe and separate space for pedestrians to walk, away from the traffic. Over time, the usage of the word spread to other English-speaking countries, although the term 'sidewalk' remains predominantly American.