Word
tarmac
Phoneticstar·mac, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɑɹˌmæk/
UK/tˈɑːmæk/
Uncountable nounIrregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
tarmac
Past
tarmacked
Past participle
tarmacked
Definition
n. the hard, black surface used for roads and airport runways. You often hear this word when a plane is waiting on the ground before taking off.
n. a material used for surfacing roads or runways, consisting of crushed stone mixed with tar. Often used metonymically to refer to the airport apron or runway area where aircraft park and taxi.
Examples
“The plane waited on the tarmac for twenty minutes.”
“Passengers were forced to remain on the aircraft for three hours while it sat on the tarmac due to a technical delay.”
“Heat shimmered off the dark tarmac as the ground crew hurried to finish refueling the jet before its scheduled departure window closed.”
Examples
simple
“The plane waited on the tarmac for twenty minutes.”
contextual
“Passengers were forced to remain on the aircraft for three hours while it sat on the tarmac due to a technical delay.”
complex
“Heat shimmered off the dark tarmac as the ground crew hurried to finish refueling the jet before its scheduled departure window closed.”
Usage
Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the ground area of an airport.
Real-World Examples
“Photograph: Javier Borrego/AFP7/Shutterstock Meanwhile two private jets are on the tarmac in Lyon as three clubs try to sign Malick Fofana .” “This ribbon of tarmac in the Ardennes is one of the sport’s historic venues, featuring in the first F1 season way back in 1950.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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