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

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

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

Word origin

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.

See also: aside, beside, downside, inside, outsider, side, sidearm, sidebar, sidekick, sideline, sidelong, sides, sideward, sideways, siding, subside.