English Reference
noun · adjective

paving

n. · adj.
US /ˈpeɪvɪŋ/ UK /pˈeɪvɪŋ/ paving UK spelling pavings

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a hard, flat surface made of stone, brick, or concrete for walking or driving on.

    n.the durable surface layer of a road, pavement, or floor, typically composed of stone, concrete, or asphalt.

    Simple

    The old stone paving in the town square was slippery after the rain.

    In context

    The contractor recommended permeable paving to ensure proper drainage and prevent water from pooling near the building's foundation.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.the flat stones or blocks used to cover the ground.

    n.individual slabs or blocks, such as flagstones, used to create a paved surface.

    Simple

    We need to replace a few pieces of broken paving in the garden.

    In context

    The restoration project required hand-cut granite paving to match the original nineteenth-century aesthetic of the cathedral's interior.

    slabsflagspavers
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing things used to make a hard surface on the ground.

    adj.pertaining to the materials, tools, or process of laying a pavement.

    Simple

    The workers left their paving stones on the side of the road.

    In context

    The city council approved a new budget for paving repairs across the historic district this summer.

The state's high court denied the request, paving the way for the mistrial.

BBC News· 4 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated