travelator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-Low (Specialised term)Formal/Technical (in official contexts); Neutral/Informal (in general public usage)
Quick answer
What does “travelator” mean?
A moving walkway, typically found in airports, shopping centres, or large public buildings, designed to transport pedestrians horizontally or at a slight incline.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A moving walkway, typically found in airports, shopping centres, or large public buildings, designed to transport pedestrians horizontally or at a slight incline.
In a broader metaphorical sense, can refer to any system or process that facilitates effortless movement or progression from one point to another, often implying a lack of active effort or decision-making required from the user.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word 'travelator' is the standard term in British English. In American English, 'moving walkway', 'moving sidewalk', or occasionally 'autowalk' are used. 'Travelator' is understood but marked as a Britishism in the US.
Connotations
In British English, it carries neutral, functional connotations. In American English, using 'travelator' might sound slightly foreign or technical.
Frequency
High frequency in relevant UK contexts (airport announcements, signage). Low frequency in general US speech, where alternative terms are preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “travelator” in a Sentence
The travelator + [verb] (e.g., The travelator connects Terminal 1 and 2.)[Preposition] + the travelator (e.g., Please stand on the right of the travelator.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “travelator” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Take the travelator to the north terminal; it's a ten-minute walk otherwise.
- The new travelator at the shopping centre has halved the time it takes to get from the car park to the stores.
American English
- The moving walkway to baggage claim is currently under maintenance. (Note: 'travelator' would be less common here.)
- They installed a new travelator in the museum to improve accessibility, though most visitors call it a 'moving sidewalk'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in facilities management, airport operations, or retail centre planning.
Academic
Rare, potentially in engineering, urban planning, or ergonomics papers.
Everyday
Common when describing or navigating large public transport hubs or shopping complexes.
Technical
Standard in architectural, civil engineering, and public transport documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “travelator”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “travelator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “travelator”
- Spelling: 'travellator' (double L is incorrect).
- Confusing with 'escalator'. An escalator moves people vertically; a travelator moves them horizontally/slightly inclined.
- Using 'travelator' generically for any conveyor belt (e.g., for luggage).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An escalator is a moving staircase designed for vertical transportation between different floors. A travelator (or moving walkway) is designed for horizontal or slightly inclined transportation across longer level distances, like airport corridors.
No, it is primarily a British English term. The standard American English terms are 'moving walkway' or 'moving sidewalk'. 'Travelator' is understood but not commonly used in everyday American speech.
No, 'travelator' is exclusively a noun. You cannot say 'we travelatored to the gate'. The correct phrasing is 'we took the travelator' or 'we used the travelator'.
Yes, common rules include: standing on the right to allow others to walk past on the left, holding the handrail, ensuring shoelaces are tied, not sitting on the handrail, and supervising children closely. Always face the direction of travel.
A moving walkway, typically found in airports, shopping centres, or large public buildings, designed to transport pedestrians horizontally or at a slight incline.
Travelator is usually formal/technical (in official contexts); neutral/informal (in general public usage) in register.
Travelator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtræv.əl.eɪ.tə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtræv.ə.leɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Life isn't a travelator. (Metaphor: you have to put in effort to get somewhere)”
- “Caught on the corporate travelator. (Metaphor: being carried along passively in a large organisation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TRAVEL + (elev)ATOR. It's a device that helps you travel, like an elevator moves you vertically, a travelator moves you horizontally.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY/TRIP IS EFFORTLESS MOVEMENT (The travelator made the long airport corridor feel short). Can also be a LIFE IS A PASSIVE JOURNEY metaphor in critical usage.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of a 'travelator'?