concourse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal / Neutral
Quick answer
What does “concourse” mean?
A large, open indoor area where many people gather, typically in a public building like an airport or train station.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, open indoor area where many people gather, typically in a public building like an airport or train station.
A crowd or assembly of people; a coming together. Can also refer to a broad avenue or promenade.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term is understood and used in both varieties for transportation hubs.
Connotations
In both, it implies a large, often bustling, public space. Slightly more formal than just 'hall'.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in the context of airport terminology (e.g., 'main concourse').
Grammar
How to Use “concourse” in a Sentence
concourse of [people/vehicles]concourse for [purpose, e.g., departures]concourse at [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in architecture, construction, and facility management (e.g., 'The retail revenue from the airport concourse is substantial').
Academic
Used in urban planning, architecture, and history papers.
Everyday
Primarily used when referring to travel, especially at airports and major train stations.
Technical
Used in civil engineering and airport design specifications.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “concourse”
- Misspelling as 'concource'. Using it to mean a 'conference' or 'meeting' rather than a physical space.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A concourse is typically larger, designed for through traffic and gathering in transportation contexts. A lobby is usually an entrance hall in a hotel, office, or theatre.
Yes, but this is an older, more literary usage (e.g., 'a concourse of spectators'). The primary modern meaning is the physical space.
It is common in the context of travel and public buildings but less common in general everyday conversation outside those contexts.
The stress is on the first syllable. In British English, it's /ˈkɒŋkɔːs/ (KONG-korss). In American English, it's /ˈkɑːn.kɔːrs/ (KAHN-korss).
A large, open indoor area where many people gather, typically in a public building like an airport or train station.
Concourse is usually formal / neutral in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare/Archival] a concourse of angels”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONCOURSE as a place where COURSES (paths/ways) come together (CON-) for people.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONCOURSE IS A RIVER DELTA (channels of people flow and merge in a wide space).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these places are you LEAST likely to find a concourse?