Street: meaning, definitions and examples

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street

[striːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in the city

A public road in a city or town, typically with houses and buildings on one or both sides.

Synonyms

avenue, boulevard, road.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
street	A street is a public road in a city or town, typically with houses or buildings along it. It is used in both casual and formal contexts. Main Street is full of shops and cafes. I live on Elm Street.
road	A road is a general term for any thoroughfare, route, or way that connects different places. It is not specific to urban or rural settings and is used in everyday language. We traveled down a long country road. The road to the city was under construction.
avenue	An avenue is a wide street or main thoroughfare, often lined with trees or large buildings. It is typically found in urban areas and conveys a sense of importance or prominence. She walked down Fifth Avenue with her friends. Our office is located on Pennsylvania Avenue.
boulevard	A boulevard is a broad, multi-lane road often with a median strip and sometimes lined with trees. It is commonly found in cities and suggests grandeur or significance. Sunset Boulevard is famous in Los Angeles. They built a new park along the boulevard.

Examples of usage

There were children playing on the street.
The street was lined with shops and cafes.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in address

A particular section or part of a city or town, defined by its buildings, inhabitants, activities, etc.

Synonyms

block, district, neighborhood.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
street	A public road in a city or town, typically with houses and buildings on one or both sides. Often used to describe a specific road. They live on Maple Street The restaurant is located at the end of the street
block	An area surrounded by streets in a town or city, often used to describe a group of buildings or a specific section within larger urban subdivisions. He lives a block away from the park Let's walk around the block
district	A specific area of a city or town that has distinct characteristics, often with administrative, commercial, or residential purposes. The financial district is very busy during the day They live in the school district
neighborhood	A localized community within a city or town, often characterized by social connections and a sense of identity among its residents. She grew up in a friendly neighborhood The neighborhood watch program has reduced crime

Examples of usage

She lives on Maple Street.
Our office is located on Wall Street.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

figurative

A place or situation that is crowded, busy, or full of activity.

Synonyms

busy place, crowded area, hustle and bustle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
street	Used to describe a public road in a city or town, usually with buildings on either side. It's neutral and straightforward. Walking down the street, I saw many shops and cafes
busy place	Refers to a location with a lot of activity and many people. It indicates a high level of engagement or movement. Times Square is always a busy place with tourists and locals alike
crowded area	Describes a location tightly packed with people, often implying discomfort or difficulty moving around. The concert venue became a crowded area as more fans arrived
hustle and bustle	Implies a noisy, energetic crowd or lively activity, often used to describe the atmosphere of a city or busy location in a positive light. I love the hustle and bustle of the city during the holidays

Examples of usage

The stock market is often described as a busy street.
The political arena can be a tough street to navigate.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'street' comes from the Latin word 'strata,' meaning 'paved road.'
In Old English, it was known as 'strete,' which also referred to a Roman road.
The usage of 'street' has evolved through languages, reflecting the growth of urban environments.

Cultural Significance

Streets are often named after historical figures or events, acting as living narratives of a community’s history.
In many cultures, streets serve as social spaces where markets, festivals, and gatherings take place.
Street art has become a powerful form of expression and can transform ordinary locations into vibrant galleries.

Urban Development

City planners consider street layouts vital for traffic flow, safety, and accessibility in urban areas.
Smart cities utilize technology to improve street infrastructure, making them more efficient and safe for pedestrians and cyclists.
The design of a street, including its width and materials, can significantly impact the behavior of drivers and walkers.

Transportation

Streets are crucial for various modes of transportation, such as cars, bicycles, buses, and pedestrians.
The development of streetcars in the 19th century revolutionized public transport, making cities more accessible.
Specific streets, like Broadway in New York, are famous for their unique cultural and commercial offerings.

Literature

Many authors use streets as settings to symbolize a character’s journey or the social dynamics of a community.
In poetry, streets can evoke feelings of nostalgia, hope, or even despair, reflecting the human experience.
Famous literary works often feature streets as crucial backdrops, like Charles Dickens' portrayal of London streets in his novels.

Translations

English

street

Change language

🇵🇹 rua

🇮🇳 सड़क

🇩🇪 Straße

🇮🇩 jalan

🇺🇦 вулиця

🇵🇱 ulica

🇯🇵 通り (とおり)

🇫🇷 rue

🇪🇸 calle

🇹🇷 sokak

🇰🇷 거리

🇸🇦 شارع

🇨🇿 ulice

🇸🇰 ulica

🇨🇳 街道 (jiēdào)

🇸🇮 ulica

🇮🇸 gata

🇰🇿 көшесі

🇬🇪 ქუჩა

🇦🇿 küçə

🇲🇽 calle

Word Frequency Rank

At #893 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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890 records
891 returned
892 offered
893 street
894 designed
895 easily
896 entered
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