# ramp

/ˈɹæmp/ (US) · /ɹˈæmp/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. sloping surface

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The delivery driver used a metal ramp to move the heavy boxes into the shop.
- The building was recently renovated to include a concrete ramp, ensuring that the main entrance is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

### 2. road connection

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

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

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

- Take the next exit ramp to get to the shopping centre.
- Heavy congestion on the off-ramp caused traffic to back up for several miles onto the main interstate.

### 3. aviation area

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The passengers waited on the bus while the plane was positioned on the ramp.
- Ground crew personnel are required to wear high-visibility clothing at all times when working on the ramp to prevent accidents.

### 4. wild leek

noun · CEFR C2 · American English

a type of wild onion or leek that people eat.

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

- We went into the woods to pick ramps for our spring soup.
- Ramps have become a highly sought-after seasonal delicacy in upscale restaurants across the Appalachian region.

### 5. to increase

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic

to increase or decrease something at a steady rate.

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

- The factory will ramp up production to meet the high demand for the new phone.
- The software is designed to ramp the voltage gradually to prevent damage to the sensitive internal components.

### 6. a swindle

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang

a trick or a dishonest plan to steal money.

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

- He lost all his savings in a clever ramp involving fake gold coins.
- The investigation revealed a sophisticated ramp designed to artificially inflate the company's share price before the merger.

## Examples

- The delivery driver used a ramp to move the boxes into the truck.
- The building was recently renovated to include a wheelchair ramp next to the main stairs for better accessibility.
- Engineers designed a reinforced concrete ramp to facilitate the smooth transition of heavy machinery from the loading dock to the primary assembly floor.

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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.