crosswalk
A crosswalk is a marked part of the road where people walk to get to the other side safely.
Explanation at your level:
A crosswalk is a place on the road. You use it to walk to the other side. It is safe. Look for the white lines on the ground. Always use the crosswalk when you cross the street.
When you are walking in the city, you should use a crosswalk. It is a special area for people. Drivers see the lines and stop for you. It is safer than crossing in the middle of the street.
A crosswalk is a designated area on the road where pedestrians have the right to cross. In many countries, these are marked with white stripes. It is important to stay inside the crosswalk to ensure that drivers can see you clearly. Using a crosswalk is a basic rule of road safety.
The term crosswalk refers to a specific infrastructure element designed to manage pedestrian flow. By concentrating foot traffic in one location, city planners can reduce the risk of accidents. While pedestrians generally have the right of way in a marked crosswalk, it is still essential to remain vigilant and make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb.
In urban planning, the crosswalk serves as a critical interface between pedestrian mobility and vehicular traffic. Beyond the simple painted lines, modern crosswalks often incorporate 'smart' technology, such as motion-activated lighting or countdown timers, to enhance safety. The efficacy of a crosswalk depends not only on its physical design but also on the adherence of both drivers and pedestrians to local traffic regulations.
The crosswalk represents a societal contract of shared public space. Etymologically, it reflects the industrialization of movement; as the velocity of vehicles increased, the need for 'protected' zones became paramount. Culturally, the crosswalk has become a symbol of pedestrian autonomy in a car-centric world. Whether it is the iconic zebra stripes of London or the high-visibility yellow markings in American suburbs, the crosswalk remains a fundamental element of the urban fabric, balancing the competing needs of transit and safety.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A crosswalk is a safe place to cross the road.
- It is usually marked with white lines.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
- Always look before you step into one.
Think of a crosswalk as a bridge for your feet on the street! It is a specific, marked zone designed to keep pedestrians safe while they move from one sidewalk to the other.
When you see those white lines painted on the asphalt, that is the crosswalk. It acts as a visual signal to drivers that they need to slow down or stop because people might be stepping into the road. It is all about creating a clear, predictable spot for everyone to share the road safely.
The word crosswalk is a compound noun, combining the verb 'cross' and the noun 'walk'. It is a very literal term that evolved as cities became more crowded with automobiles in the early 20th century.
Before cars were everywhere, people just walked across streets wherever they wanted. As traffic increased, cities needed a way to organize movement. The concept of the 'zebra crossing' became famous in the UK in the 1950s, using high-contrast stripes to make pedestrians visible. Over time, the term crosswalk became the standard American English way to describe these safe zones.
You will hear crosswalk used most often in daily life, especially when talking about traffic safety or giving directions. It is a neutral, standard term used in both casual conversation and formal traffic reports.
Common phrases include using the crosswalk, waiting at the crosswalk, or painting a crosswalk. You might hear people say 'use the crosswalk' as a piece of advice to children, emphasizing that it is the safest place to be.
While 'crosswalk' itself isn't a core part of many idioms, related concepts appear frequently in phrases about safety and movement.
- Jaywalk: To cross the street illegally outside of a crosswalk.
- Walk the line: To behave correctly (metaphorically staying within the rules like staying in a crosswalk).
- Cross that bridge when you come to it: To deal with a problem only when it actually happens.
- Pedestrian approach: A boring or dull way of doing something.
- Right of way: The legal right to proceed before others, which pedestrians usually have in a crosswalk.
The word crosswalk is a countable noun. You can say 'one crosswalk' or 'many crosswalks' when talking about a city with many intersections.
In American English, the IPA is /ˈkrɔːswɔːk/. The stress is on the first syllable: CROSS-walk. It rhymes with words like 'boss walk' or 'moss talk'. Remember to emphasize the 'cross' part to sound natural!
Fun Fact
The term became popular in the US in the 1920s to distinguish safe paths from general road crossings.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'o' sound followed by a long 'aw'.
Both parts have a deep 'aw' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'l' too strongly
- Mixing up the stress on the second syllable
- Making it sound like 'cross work'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read
Simple to spell
Needs clear pronunciation
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Compound Nouns
cross + walk = crosswalk
Definite Articles
the crosswalk
Prepositions of Place
at the crosswalk
Examples by Level
I use the crosswalk.
I use the safe place.
Subject-verb-object.
The crosswalk is safe.
Look at the crosswalk.
The crosswalk is white.
Walk in the crosswalk.
I see the crosswalk.
Is that a crosswalk?
Wait at the crosswalk.
Please wait for the light at the crosswalk.
The children are using the crosswalk.
I always cross at the crosswalk.
The crosswalk has bright white lines.
Drivers stop at the crosswalk.
It is safer to use the crosswalk.
Can you see the crosswalk over there?
We walked across the street using the crosswalk.
You should always use the crosswalk when crossing a busy road.
The driver failed to stop at the marked crosswalk.
There is a new crosswalk near the school entrance.
Pedestrians have the right of way in this crosswalk.
The city is planning to repaint the faded crosswalk.
I waited at the crosswalk for the signal to change.
Make sure you stay within the lines of the crosswalk.
The crosswalk is equipped with flashing lights for safety.
The pedestrian stepped into the crosswalk without looking.
City officials are debating the placement of the new crosswalk.
He was fined for jaywalking instead of using the nearby crosswalk.
The crosswalk provides a safe passage across the six-lane highway.
Drivers must yield to anyone already in the crosswalk.
The crosswalk was illuminated to improve visibility at night.
Many accidents occur when people ignore the designated crosswalk.
The design of the crosswalk encourages drivers to slow down.
The implementation of raised crosswalks has significantly reduced traffic speeds.
Urban planners are prioritizing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure like the mid-block crosswalk.
The crosswalk serves as a vital node in the city's walking network.
Despite the clear markings, the crosswalk remains a hazardous point for cyclists.
The traffic study analyzed the flow of pedestrians through the main crosswalk.
Integrating technology into the crosswalk can improve safety for the visually impaired.
The crosswalk acts as a buffer between the busy commercial zone and the park.
Local authorities are reviewing the visibility standards for every crosswalk in the district.
The crosswalk is a manifestation of the tension between pedestrian rights and automotive dominance.
In some jurisdictions, the definition of a crosswalk extends to unmarked corners of intersections.
The aesthetic of the crosswalk has evolved from simple paint to complex, artistic installations.
One must navigate the crosswalk with a degree of caution, regardless of the legal protections.
The crosswalk functions as a liminal space where the rules of the road are strictly enforced.
Modern urbanism seeks to reclaim the street, often by expanding the footprint of the crosswalk.
The crosswalk is essential for maintaining the permeability of the city for those on foot.
Failure to yield at a crosswalk is a serious infraction that carries heavy penalties.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"Right of way"
Legal priority to move
Pedestrians have the right of way in a crosswalk.
neutral"Walk the talk"
To act in accordance with your words
If you care about safety, use the crosswalk!
casual"Cross your fingers"
Hope for good luck
I'm crossing my fingers for the test.
casual"At the crossroads"
A point where a decision must be made
Our company is at a crossroads.
formal"Cross the line"
To behave unacceptably
That comment really crossed the line.
casual"Cross someone's path"
To meet someone unexpectedly
I hope I don't cross his path today.
neutralEasily Confused
Both end in 'walk'
Sidewalk is for walking along; crosswalk is for crossing.
Stay on the sidewalk until you reach the crosswalk.
Both start with 'cross'
Crossroad is an intersection of streets.
The accident happened at the crossroad.
Both mean moving across
Crossing is the act; crosswalk is the place.
The crossing was safe because of the crosswalk.
Both contain 'walk'
Walkway is a general path.
The garden has a nice walkway.
Sentence Patterns
Use the + crosswalk
Please use the crosswalk.
Wait at the + crosswalk
We waited at the crosswalk.
The crosswalk is + adj
The crosswalk is busy.
Step into the + crosswalk
He stepped into the crosswalk.
The driver stopped at the + crosswalk
The driver stopped at the crosswalk.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
A crossroad is an intersection of two roads, not a pedestrian area.
You are physically inside the marked area.
It must be marked to be a crosswalk.
It is a specific noun requiring 'the' or 'a'.
They serve different purposes.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a giant zebra walking on your front door mat.
Native Speakers
They say 'use the crosswalk' to remind friends to be safe.
Cultural Insight
In the UK, look for the 'Belisha beacon' lights at crossings.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'at' or 'in' with crosswalk.
Say It Right
Keep the 'o' sounds deep.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't call it a 'cross-road'.
Did You Know?
Some crosswalks are now painted with 3D art.
Study Smart
Draw a picture of a street with a crosswalk.
Expand It
Learn the word 'pedestrian' next.
Stay Safe
Always make eye contact with drivers.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Cross (the street) + Walk (your feet) = Crosswalk.
Visual Association
Imagine a zebra walking across the white stripes of a crosswalk.
Word Web
Challenge
Next time you are out, point to a crosswalk and name it in English.
Word Origin
English
Original meaning: A path for crossing
Cultural Context
None, but it is a safety-critical term.
In the UK, 'zebra crossing' is more common. In the US, 'crosswalk' is standard.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Travel
- Where is the nearest crosswalk?
- I will use the crosswalk.
- Is this a safe crosswalk?
School
- Stay in the crosswalk.
- Wait for the guard at the crosswalk.
- Look both ways at the crosswalk.
Driving
- Yield to the crosswalk.
- Slow down for the crosswalk.
- Check the crosswalk.
Urban Planning
- Design a new crosswalk.
- Paint the crosswalk.
- Improve crosswalk visibility.
Conversation Starters
"Do you always use the crosswalk?"
"What is the safest crosswalk in your city?"
"Have you ever seen a 3D crosswalk?"
"Why are crosswalks important?"
"Do you prefer crosswalks with lights?"
Journal Prompts
Describe the crosswalks in your neighborhood.
Why is it important to teach children about crosswalks?
Write about a time you felt safe using a crosswalk.
How would you improve the crosswalks in your city?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt is one word: crosswalk.
Yes, for your own safety.
Look both ways and cross carefully.
No, a sidewalk is for walking along the road.
It depends on local laws, but usually no.
To make them visible to drivers.
It is the British term for a crosswalk.
Usually the pedestrian in the crosswalk.
Test Yourself
Always use the ___ to cross the street.
A crosswalk is for crossing.
What is a crosswalk?
It is for pedestrians.
You should run across the crosswalk.
You should walk carefully.
Word
Meaning
They are different parts of the road.
Please use the crosswalk.
The driver stopped at the ___.
Drivers stop at crosswalks.
Which is a synonym for crosswalk?
Pedestrian crossing is the same.
A crosswalk is always painted.
Sometimes they are marked by signs only.
The pedestrian waited at the crosswalk.
The city ___ the crosswalk for better visibility.
You repaint a crosswalk.
Score: /10
Summary
A crosswalk is your designated safe zone for crossing the street—always use it!
- A crosswalk is a safe place to cross the road.
- It is usually marked with white lines.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
- Always look before you step into one.
Memory Palace
Imagine a giant zebra walking on your front door mat.
Native Speakers
They say 'use the crosswalk' to remind friends to be safe.
Cultural Insight
In the UK, look for the 'Belisha beacon' lights at crossings.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'at' or 'in' with crosswalk.
