What does "stations" mean?

1. (transport hubs) places where trains or buses regularly stop for passengers to get on and off. 2. (broadcasting or emergency services) buildings used for radio, television, or emergency services like the police and fire department. 3. (social or professional status) the positions or ranks that people have in society or at work. 4. (assigning to a place) to put someone, like a soldier or a guard, in a specific place to do a job.

How do you use "stations"?

Usually used with the preposition 'at'. This is the third-person singular form of the verb; it is often used in the passive voice.

stations

n. · v.

US //ˈsteɪʃənz// UK //stˈeɪʃənz// sta·tions

1 transport hubs (n.)
A1 Beginner

places where trains or buses regularly stop for passengers to get on and off.

designated stopping points for public transport vehicles, particularly trains and buses, equipped with platforms and passenger facilities.

Example

The high-speed train stops at three major stations before reaching the capital.

Example

Urban planners are focusing on connecting the various subway stations with dedicated cycling paths to reduce reliance on private vehicles.

Usage

Usually used with the preposition 'at'.
2 broadcasting or emergency services (n.)
A2 Elementary

buildings used for radio, television, or emergency services like the police and fire department.

establishments equipped for radio or television transmission, or headquarters for civil services such as police and fire brigades.

Example

The city has several fire stations to ensure a quick response to any emergency.

Example

Local radio stations often provide more detailed weather updates for rural communities than national networks do.

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3 social or professional status (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Literary

the positions or ranks that people have in society or at work.

the social or professional standing of individuals within a hierarchy.

Example

In the past, people were expected to marry others from similar social stations.

Example

The novel explores the rigid boundaries between different social stations in nineteenth-century European society.

Teacher's tip

This sense is mostly found in historical contexts or formal literature; modern speakers prefer 'status' or 'background'.
- ranks
- positions
- statuses
4 assigning to a place (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to put someone, like a soldier or a guard, in a specific place to do a job.

to assign someone, typically military or security personnel, to a particular post or location for duty.

Example

The commander stations guards at every entrance to the building.

Example

The agency stations undercover officers at major international airports to monitor suspicious activity during peak travel seasons.

Usage

This is the third-person singular form of the verb; it is often used in the passive voice.
- posts
- assigns
- positions
- withdraws
- removes