# pedestrian

/pəˈdɛstɹiən/ (US) · /pədˈɛstɹiən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pedestrian
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a person walking

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: a person travelling on foot, particularly in an area also used by vehicles.

- The new bridge was built specifically for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the river safely.
- Urban planners are increasingly prioritising pedestrian safety by widening pavements and introducing more frequent crossing intervals at busy intersections.

### 2. for people walking

adjective · CEFR B1

designed for or used by people who are walking.

For teachers: relating to or designed for walkers.

- The city centre is a pedestrian zone where cars are not allowed.
- The council converted the historic high street into a pedestrian precinct to encourage foot traffic and support local businesses.

### 3. boring or ordinary

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

not interesting or special; very ordinary.

For teachers: lacking inspiration or excitement; dull, mundane, or uninspired.

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

## Examples

- The driver stopped to let the pedestrian cross the street.
- The city council is planning to create more pedestrian zones to reduce air pollution in the center.
- Urban designers argue that prioritizing pedestrian safety over vehicle speed leads to more vibrant and economically successful neighborhood hubs.

---

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.