crosswalk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “crosswalk” mean?
A specially marked pedestrian path across a road.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specially marked pedestrian path across a road.
A designated place for pedestrians to cross a street safely, often marked with painted lines (zebra stripes), signage, and sometimes traffic signals. It implies legal protection and right-of-way for pedestrians.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'zebra crossing' (marked with stripes), 'pelican crossing' (with traffic lights), and 'pedestrian crossing' are the primary terms. 'Crosswalk' is understood but is an Americanism. In American English, 'crosswalk' is the standard, universal term.
Connotations
In the US, 'crosswalk' is a neutral, functional term. In the UK, using 'crosswalk' may sound distinctly American or technical.
Frequency
Very high frequency in AmE; low frequency in BrE, where native terms are preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “crosswalk” in a Sentence
Wait for the pedestrian signal at the [crosswalk].The city painted a new [crosswalk] near the school.He was fined for jaywalking instead of using the [crosswalk].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crosswalk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb in standard BrE.
American English
- Informal/rare: 'The city plans to crosswalk this intersection next year.' (to install a crosswalk)
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as an adjective.
American English
- As a noun modifier: 'crosswalk markings', 'crosswalk laws'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in urban planning, real estate ('property with a safe crosswalk'), or logistics contexts.
Academic
Used in urban studies, transportation engineering, and public safety research.
Everyday
Very common in giving directions, discussing road safety, and traffic rules.
Technical
Used in traffic engineering, municipal codes, and driver's education manuals with precise legal definitions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crosswalk”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crosswalk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crosswalk”
- Using 'crosswalk' in formal UK contexts (use 'pedestrian/zebra crossing').
- Pronouncing it as /krɔːsˈwɔːk/ (stress is on the first syllable: CROSS-walk).
- Using it for animal crossings (use 'wildlife crossing' or 'ecoduct').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most are (called 'zebra crossings' in the UK), but a legal crosswalk can exist at every intersection with or without marked lines in many US jurisdictions, based on the implied continuation of the sidewalk.
You will be understood, but it will mark your speech as American. It's better to use 'pedestrian crossing', 'zebra crossing', or the specific type like 'pelican crossing'.
A crosswalk is at street level across the road. A pedestrian bridge (or footbridge) is a structure that goes over the road, separating pedestrians from traffic entirely.
Laws vary. Typically, a crosswalk is for pedestrians. Cyclists are often required to dismount and walk their bikes to use it with pedestrian rights, or use the road as a vehicle.
A specially marked pedestrian path across a road.
Crosswalk is usually neutral in register.
Crosswalk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒs.wɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːs.wɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'crosswalk']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of it as a WALKway that helps you CROSS the street safely. CROSS + WALK = CROSSWALK.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SAFE CORRIDOR / PATHWAY THROUGH DANGER (the flowing traffic).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is the most common American equivalent of the British 'zebra crossing'?