English Reference
Compound

car park

compound.
A1 Beginner Oxford

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.


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
carparkcar park

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

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Updated