# sidewalk

/ˈsaɪdˌwɔk/ (US) · /sˈaɪdwɔːk/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. path beside a road

noun · CEFR A2 · American English

a hard path for people to walk on, usually at the side of a street.

For teachers: a paved footpath located at the side of a road for pedestrian use.

- The children were told to stay on the sidewalk and away from the cars.
- The city council recently allocated funds to repair the cracked sidewalks in the residential district to improve pedestrian safety.

Usage: In British English, this is called a 'pavement'.

Teaching tip: This is a high-frequency word in American English; learners should be aware that 'pavement' in the US often refers to the road surface itself.

## Examples

- Please walk on the sidewalk so you stay safe from the cars.
- The city workers are repairing the cracked sidewalk to prevent people from tripping while they walk to work.
- Urban planners often prioritise wide sidewalks to encourage foot traffic and create a more vibrant, accessible atmosphere for local businesses and residents alike.

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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.