ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ramp

n. · v.
US //ˈɹæmp// UK //ɹˈæmp// ramp
  1. 1 sloping surface (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a sloping surface that connects a lower place to a higher place.

    an inclined plane used to join two different levels, often providing access for vehicles or wheelchairs.

    Example

    The delivery driver used a metal ramp to move the heavy boxes into the shop.

    Example

    The building was recently renovated to include a concrete ramp, ensuring that the main entrance is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
  2. 2 road connection (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    a short road that lets you get on or off a main highway.

    a short section of road providing access to or egress from a controlled-access highway or freeway.

    Example

    Take the next exit ramp to get to the shopping centre.

    Example

    Heavy congestion on the off-ramp caused traffic to back up for several miles onto the main interstate.
Show 4 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 aviation area (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Aviation

    the flat area at an airport where planes park and load passengers.

    the paved area at an airport where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded, or refuelled.

    Example

    The passengers waited on the bus while the plane was positioned on the ramp.

    Example

    Ground crew personnel are required to wear high-visibility clothing at all times when working on the ramp to prevent accidents.
  2. 4 wild leek (n.)
    C2 Proficiency American English

    a type of wild onion or leek that people eat.

    a North American species of wild onion (Allium tricoccum) with broad leaves and a strong garlic-like flavour.

    Example

    We went into the woods to pick ramps for our spring soup.

    Example

    Ramps have become a highly sought-after seasonal delicacy in upscale restaurants across the Appalachian region.
    • wild leek
    • wild onion
  3. 5 to increase (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical

    to increase or decrease something at a steady rate.

    to increase or decrease a value, level, or intensity, typically at a constant or controlled rate.

    Example

    The factory will ramp up production to meet the high demand for the new phone.

    Example

    The software is designed to ramp the voltage gradually to prevent damage to the sensitive internal components.
  4. 6 a swindle (n.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Slang

    a trick or a dishonest plan to steal money.

    a fraudulent scheme or a deliberate swindle, often involving the manipulation of prices.

    Example

    He lost all his savings in a clever ramp involving fake gold coins.

    Example

    The investigation revealed a sophisticated ramp designed to artificially inflate the company's share price before the merger.

© 2026 English Reference