# private road

CEFR B1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/private-road
Updated: 2026-08-07

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.