skywalk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowneutral, technical, commercial
Quick answer
What does “skywalk” mean?
An elevated, often enclosed, pedestrian walkway connecting two or more buildings, typically above ground level.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An elevated, often enclosed, pedestrian walkway connecting two or more buildings, typically above ground level.
Any elevated walkway, especially one designed as a tourist attraction (e.g., a glass-bottomed observation platform), or the act of walking on such a structure. Also used as a brand or proprietary name for various attractions and products.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term is less common; 'footbridge', 'pedestrian bridge', or 'walkway' are more typical. In American English, 'skywalk' is widely used for enclosed urban walkways between buildings.
Connotations
In American English, it connotes modern urban infrastructure and convenience; in British English, it may be perceived as an Americanism or a specific technical term.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, particularly in contexts describing downtown infrastructure or tourist attractions.
Grammar
How to Use “skywalk” in a Sentence
skywalk between [X] and [Y]skywalk over [street/area]skywalk connecting [X] to [Y]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skywalk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We can skywalk from the hotel to the conference centre without going outside.
American English
- Visitors may skywalk between the casino and the adjoining hotel.
adjective
British English
- The skywalk experience offers stunning views of the city.
American English
- They took the skywalk tour to see the canyon from above.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to infrastructure projects aimed at improving urban connectivity and increasing commercial footfall, e.g., 'The new skywalk is projected to boost retail sales in the district.'
Academic
Appears in urban studies, architecture, or engineering literature discussing pedestrian flow, urban design, or structural engineering, e.g., 'The study evaluates the impact of skywalks on street-level vitality.'
Everyday
Used when giving directions or describing city features, e.g., 'Let's use the skywalk to avoid the rain.'
Technical
Specific term in architecture and civil engineering for an elevated, often enclosed, pedestrian passageway between buildings.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skywalk”
- Using 'skywalk' to refer to any bridge (e.g., a river bridge) instead of an elevated urban walkway. Confusing with 'skylight' (a window in a roof).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A skywalk is a specific type of footbridge that is typically elevated, often enclosed, and connects buildings in an urban setting, whereas a footbridge can be any pedestrian bridge, including those over rivers or roads.
Yes, but it is rare and informal. It means to use a skywalk or to walk as if on a skywalk (e.g., in a fantasy context). In formal writing, the noun form is preferred.
No, they are used worldwide. While they are practical in cold or rainy climates for protection, they are also built in warm regions for tourist attractions or to ease urban congestion.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'skywalk' may imply a longer or more complex system, while 'skybridge' often refers to a single, direct connection between two buildings.
An elevated, often enclosed, pedestrian walkway connecting two or more buildings, typically above ground level.
Skywalk is usually neutral, technical, commercial in register.
Skywalk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskaɪ.wɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskaɪ.wɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “take the skywalk”
- “skywalk to safety”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine walking in the SKY between buildings: a SKYWALK lifts you above the ground like a bridge in the sky.
Conceptual Metaphor
A skywalk is a bridge in the sky, enabling movement without touching the ground, symbolising connection and elevation above obstacles.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'skywalk' most commonly?