# rest stop

CEFR A2 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rest-stop
Updated: 2026-07-31

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- We stopped at a rest stop to buy some water.
- After driving for four hours, the family pulled into a rest stop to stretch their legs and use the facilities.
- The state government recently allocated funds to renovate several aging rest stops along the interstate to improve safety for long-haul truckers.

## Usage notes

- 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'.

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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.