English Reference
Compound

private road

compound.
B1 Intermediate

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.


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
Level B1 · Intermediate
Updated