English Reference

Word

private road

Definition

compound. a road that is owned by a person or a company rather than the government. You usually need permission to drive on it, and the owner is responsible for fixing it.

compound. a thoroughfare owned and maintained by an individual, organization, or group of residents rather than a public authority. Access is typically restricted to authorized users, and public traffic laws may not apply in the same manner as on public highways.

Examples

“We live on a private road near the lake.”

“The GPS directed us down a private road, but a large sign told us to turn back.”

“Maintenance costs for the private road are divided equally among the ten homeowners whose properties border the gravel path.”

Examples

simple

“We live on a private road near the lake.”

contextual

“The GPS directed us down a private road, but a large sign told us to turn back.”

complex

“Maintenance costs for the private road are divided equally among the ten homeowners whose properties border the gravel path.”

Usage

usually functions as a countable noun; often accompanied by signage such as 'No Trespassing'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'public road' or 'highway'; this is a good opportunity to discuss the concept of 'right of way' and property boundaries in different cultures.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference