crossing guard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumEveryday, formal (in official contexts like job titles)
Quick answer
What does “crossing guard” mean?
A person, often a trained volunteer or part-time worker, who helps pedestrians, particularly school children, cross the street safely at designated points, often holding a stop sign.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, often a trained volunteer or part-time worker, who helps pedestrians, particularly school children, cross the street safely at designated points, often holding a stop sign.
A broader term for any official who controls traffic to allow safe passage for pedestrians, especially near schools. The role is associated with community safety, child welfare, and traffic management.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, 'crossing guard' is the standard term. In British English, the equivalent term is almost universally 'lollipop man' or 'lollipop lady' (informal) or more formally 'school crossing patrol' (the official role).
Connotations
'Crossing guard' (AmE) is a neutral, descriptive job title. 'Lollipop man/lady' (BrE) is affectionate and informal, derived from the round 'STOP' sign they carry, which resembles a lollipop.
Frequency
'Crossing guard' is highly frequent in AmE. In BrE, 'crossing guard' is rarely used and would be considered an Americanism; 'school crossing patrol' is the official term, with 'lollipop person' being common in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “crossing guard” in a Sentence
The crossing guard helped [OBJECT: the children] cross.The children waited for [OBJECT: the crossing guard].[SUBJECT: The city] employs crossing guards near schools.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crossing guard” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- The city will cross-guard that intersection starting next semester.
adjective
American English
- She attended the crossing-guard training session.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contracts for municipal safety services.
Academic
Rare. Could appear in sociology or urban planning studies on child safety.
Everyday
Very common, especially in conversations among parents, children, and in school communities.
Technical
Used in official municipal documentation, traffic safety manuals, and job descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crossing guard”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crossing guard”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crossing guard”
- Using 'crossing guard' in a British context (use 'school crossing patrol' or 'lollipop lady/man').
- Confusing with 'security guard'.
- Using it for a traffic police officer ('crossing guard' is a civilian role).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a crossing guard is typically a civilian employee or volunteer of a city or school district. They have authority over traffic at their specific crossing but do not have the broader powers of a police officer.
The role is essentially the same, but the terminology is different. 'Crossing guard' is the standard American term. In the UK, the informal and common terms are 'lollipop lady' or 'lollipop man', while the official job title is 'School Crossing Patrol' officer.
While the role is most associated with school children, a crossing guard may assist any pedestrian at their designated crossing. However, the term's strong collocation with 'school' means it's rarely used outside that context; other terms like 'traffic controller' might be used for events or construction sites.
In formal British English, such as in official reports or job postings, you should use 'School Crossing Patrol' or 'School Crossing Patrol officer'. The terms 'lollipop lady/man' are informal and should be avoided in formal writing.
A person, often a trained volunteer or part-time worker, who helps pedestrians, particularly school children, cross the street safely at designated points, often holding a stop sign.
Crossing guard: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒsɪŋ ɡɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːsɪŋ ɡɑːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) reliable as a crossing guard”
- “to hold up the lollipop (BrE, informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GUARD who stands at a road CROSSING, GUARDing children from danger.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTOR IS A GUARD (applied to a civilian, non-military context).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate British English equivalent for the American term 'crossing guard'?