level crossing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “level crossing” mean?
A place where a railway line and a road meet at the same level.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A place where a railway line and a road meet at the same level.
Any point where two paths, tracks, or systems intersect on the same plane.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'level crossing' is standard. In American English, the equivalent term is 'grade crossing' or, less commonly, 'railroad crossing'.
Connotations
Associated with road safety warnings, railway infrastructure, and rural transport.
Frequency
'Level crossing' is very common in the UK and Commonwealth; 'grade crossing' is standard in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “level crossing” in a Sentence
The [train] approached the level crossing.The [barriers] came down at the level crossing.There is a level crossing [between X and Y].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “level crossing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The train will level-cross the B-road just north of the village.
- The new line will not level-cross any major highways.
American English
- The railway grades-cross the highway near the old mill.
- The tracks will grade-cross Main Street.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Infrastructure investment; transport logistics.
Academic
Transport engineering; urban planning.
Everyday
Giving directions; discussing road/rail safety.
Technical
Railway signalling; civil engineering.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “level crossing”
- Incorrect plural: 'levels crossings' (correct: 'level crossings').
- Using 'level crossing' in US English where 'grade crossing' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A level crossing is an at-grade intersection where a road and railway cross on the same level, often with barriers or lights. A bridge (overpass or underpass) separates the road and railway vertically to prevent intersection.
It is understood but non-standard. 'Level crossing' is the correct and exclusively used term in British English.
Yes, though it's rare and technical. Forms like 'to level-cross' (UK) or 'to grade-cross' (US) exist, primarily in engineering contexts.
They represent a direct conflict point between high-speed rail traffic and road users/pedestrians. Failure to obey signals or malfunctioning safety equipment can lead to severe collisions.
A place where a railway line and a road meet at the same level.
Level crossing is usually formal / technical in register.
Level crossing: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlev.əl ˈkrɒs.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlev.əl ˈkrɑː.sɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rarely used idiomatically.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LEVEL road CROSSING a LEVEL railway track.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFLICT / MEETING POINT as a CROSSING (e.g., 'Our ideas met at a level crossing').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary American English synonym for 'level crossing'?