# grid

/ˈɡɹɪd/ (US) · /ɡɹˈɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grid
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. pattern of lines

noun · CEFR B1

a pattern of straight lines that cross each other to make a set of squares.

For teachers: a framework of spaced parallel bars or lines, typically crossing at right angles to form a series of squares or rectangles.

- The city streets were laid out in a perfect grid, making it very easy to find your way around.
- The archaeologist carefully divided the excavation site into a ten-meter grid to ensure every artifact's location was precisely recorded.

### 2. electricity system

noun · CEFR B2

the system of wires and power stations that brings electricity to buildings in a country or area.

For teachers: a network of high-voltage transmission lines and substations for the distribution of electrical power across a region.

- During the heavy storm, a fallen tree damaged the lines and knocked out the power grid.
- Engineers are working to integrate renewable energy sources into the national grid without compromising the stability of the power supply.

Usage: Often used with 'the' as in 'the national grid'.

### 3. racing start positions

noun · CEFR B2

the starting positions of cars or bikes at the beginning of a race.

For teachers: the pattern of starting positions for competitors on a racing track, usually determined by qualifying times.

- The champion driver will start at the front of the grid for tomorrow's race.
- After a technical penalty, the driver was forced to start from the back of the grid despite having the fastest qualifying lap.

### 4. distributed computing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a group of computers connected together to solve a very difficult problem.

For teachers: a system of distributed computers working together to perform massive computational tasks or process large datasets.

- Scientists used a computing grid to analyze the massive amount of data from the space telescope.
- The research project leverages a global computing grid to simulate climate change models that would be impossible for a single machine to handle.

### 5. theater/studio ceiling

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a metal frame near the ceiling of a theater used for hanging lights and equipment.

For teachers: an openwork ceiling or framework above a stage or studio used for rigging lights, scenery, and microphones.

- The technician climbed up to the grid to fix a broken spotlight before the show started.
- Safety protocols require all equipment attached to the studio grid to be secured with secondary steel cables.

### 6. to mark with lines

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic

to draw or mark a pattern of squares onto something.

For teachers: to overlay or divide a surface with a network of horizontal and vertical lines.

- The surveyors began to grid the land before the construction of the new housing estate.
- By gridding the canvas before painting, the artist was able to maintain perfect proportions for the large-scale mural.

## Examples

- The city streets are laid out in a simple grid.
- The architect used a grid to ensure the windows were perfectly aligned across the building's facade.
- Engineers are working to modernize the national power grid to better integrate renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.