B1noun2K

Sidewalk

UK /["/ˈsaɪdwɔːk/"]/US /["/ˈsaɪdwɔːk/"]/

Definition

a flat part at the side of a road for people to walk on

In simple words: A path by the side of a road for people to walk on.

Examples

  • She walked along the sidewalk to reach the park.
  • Children were playing hopscotch on the sidewalk outside the school.
  • The new sidewalk was made of smooth concrete to improve accessibility.
  • Vendors set up stalls along the sidewalk during the street fair.
  • The city plans to widen the sidewalk to accommodate more pedestrians.

Usage notes

Used in both spoken and written contexts. Commonly accepted in urban areas; may not be as prevalent in rural or less developed regions. In some places, people might refer to it as 'pavement' instead.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'side' you walk on – like a 'walk' beside the road.

Collocations

  • city
  • public
  • busy
  • line
  • litter
  • sweep
  • lead (to something)
  • cafe
  • table
  • vendor

Synonyms

  • pavement
  • footpath
  • walkway
  • path

Antonyms

  • road
  • street

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'sidewalks' when talking about multiple.
  • Using in place of 'road' or 'street' which are different.
  • Not checking local terminology variations.