B2nounformal2K

Terminal

UK /["/ˈtɜːmɪnl/"]/US /["/ˈtɜːrmɪnl/"]/

Definition

a building or set of buildings at an airport where passengers arrive and leave

In simple words: The end point of a transportation system or a place where travelers go.

Examples

  • The airport terminal was crowded with travelers waiting for their flights.
  • She arrived at the bus terminal early to catch the first bus of the day.
  • The computer terminal displayed a command prompt for the user to enter instructions.
  • Doctors confirmed that the disease had reached a terminal stage.
  • They connected the new device to the terminal on the motherboard.
  • Terminal illness requires specialized care and attention.
  • Passengers waited patiently inside the terminal for the delayed flight.
  • He typed the commands directly into the terminal to troubleshoot the system.

Usage notes

Used in formal contexts related to transportation (airports, bus stations). Not typically used in casual conversation or to describe emotional endings.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'terminal' as the last stop in a journey — where you reach your destination.

Collocations

  • international
  • air
  • airport
  • building
  • at a/​the terminal
  • in a/​the terminal
  • international
  • air
  • airport
  • building
  • at a/​the terminal
  • in a/​the terminal
  • computer
  • Internet
  • network
  • connect
  • install
  • use
  • screen
  • server
  • at a/​the terminal
  • on a/​the terminal

Synonyms

  • station
  • hub
  • port
  • stop

Antonyms

  • beginning
  • start
  • origin

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'terminus', which is more geographically specific.
  • Using in non-transport contexts incorrectly.
  • Mixing up with 'terminal' as in medical condition without context.