English Reference
noun · adjective

pedestrian

n. · adj.
US /pəˈdɛstɹiən/ UK /pədˈɛstɹiən/ pedes·tri·an UK spelling pedestrian's, pedestrian's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.someone who is walking in a street or public area rather than driving a car.

    n.a person travelling on foot, particularly in an area also used by vehicles.

    Simple

    The new bridge was built specifically for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the river safely.

    In context

    Urban planners are increasingly prioritising pedestrian safety by widening pavements and introducing more frequent crossing intervals at busy intersections.

    walkerfoot traveller
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    adj.designed for or used by people who are walking.

    adj.relating to or designed for walkers.

    Simple

    The city centre is a pedestrian zone where cars are not allowed.

    In context

    The council converted the historic high street into a pedestrian precinct to encourage foot traffic and support local businesses.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.not interesting or special; very ordinary.

    adj.lacking inspiration or excitement; dull, mundane, or uninspired.

    Simple

    The movie was okay, but the plot was a bit pedestrian and predictable.

    In context

    Critics dismissed the artist's latest exhibition as pedestrian, noting a disappointing lack of the experimental flair that defined her earlier work.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.


Borrowed from Latin pedester, root pedestri- (from pedes) + -an (suffix forming adjectives).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated