ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rest stop

compound.
A2 Elementary American English
Definition

compound. a place next to a highway where drivers can stop to use the bathroom, eat, or get gas.

compound. a designated area adjacent to a major highway providing facilities such as restrooms, parking, and often food services for motorists. Primarily an American English term; the British equivalent is 'service station' or 'services'.


SIMPLE

We stopped at a rest stop to buy some water.

CONTEXTUAL

After driving for four hours, the family pulled into a rest stop to stretch their legs and use the facilities.

COMPLEX

The state government recently allocated funds to renovate several aging rest stops along the interstate to improve safety for long-haul truckers.

Usage

Commonly used in North America; usually functions as a countable noun.

Teaching tip

Use this to teach regional variations in travel vocabulary, contrasting it with the British 'services' or 'service station'.

Last updated July 31, 2026