Sidewalk: meaning, definitions and examples

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sidewalk

[ ˈsaɪdwɔːk ]

^{Context #1}

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}

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.