English Reference

Word

car park

Definition

compound. A place, either outside or in a building, where you can leave your car for a period of time.

compound. A designated area or building where motor vehicles may be left temporarily. This term is standard in British English.

Examples

“The car park is full today.”

“We couldn't find a space in the car park, so we parked on the street instead.”

“The new supermarket features a large underground car park with direct access to the main shopping floor.”

Examples

simple

“The car park is full today.”

contextual

“We couldn't find a space in the car park, so we parked on the street instead.”

complex

“The new supermarket features a large underground car park with direct access to the main shopping floor.”

Usage

This term is common in British English; the American English equivalent is 'parking lot' or 'parking garage'.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'parking lot' (AmE) and highlight the compound noun stress pattern: 'CAR park', not 'car PARK'.

Pitfall

carpark

car park

In standard British English, this is written as two separate words, though the single-word form is sometimes seen.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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English Reference