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Tarmac

UK //ˈtɑː.mæk// US //ˈtɑr.mæk// Pronunciation

Definition

A strong surface material made from tar and small stones, used for roads and airports.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A surface made of tar and gravel, used for roads and airports.

Examples

• The planes are parked on the tarmac, ready for boarding.
• The tarmac was freshly laid, ready for the new road construction.
• She slipped on the wet tarmac after the rain began.
• They are resurfacing the tarmac at the airport this week.
• The tarmac was heated by the sun, making it soft and sticky.

Usage notes

Commonly used in British English. In the US, it's often called 'asphalt'. More common in construction and transportation contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'tar' in 'tarmac' - imagine a road being paved with tar.

Collocations

• smooth tarmac
• tarmac surface
• tarmac runway
• wet tarmac
• tarmac road

Synonyms

• asphalt
• pavement
• bitumen
• road surface
• sealant

Common mistakes

• Used as a verb; 'tarmac' is only a noun in standard usage.
• Confused with 'tar'; 'tarmac' refers to a specific type of paved surface.
• Incorrectly assumed to refer to all types of roads.