What does sidewalk mean?
A sidewalk is a paved path beside a road where people walk, wait for buses, push strollers, or sit at outdoor café tables. It is the usual American and Canadian term; British English generally calls the same feature a pavement. The word combines “side” with “walk,” describing the walking area at the side of a street. Sidewalks are important parts of urban design because they provide space for pedestrians and help connect buildings, shops, parks, and transit stops. They can also be busy public places where people meet, pass the time, or conduct business. Although “sidewalk” is broadly understood, speakers of British English may use “pavement” instead, and the two words are not completely interchangeable in every context.
nounA paved walkway along the side of a road, intended for pedestrians. In British English, the usual term is “pavement.”
- A paved pedestrian walkway running alongside a road.
"She waited on the sidewalk for the bus while the traffic moved slowly past."
"We walked along the sidewalk beneath the autumn trees."
"The café placed several tables on the sidewalk."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The city repaired several damaged sidewalks downtown."
The word describes the narrow border between everyday pedestrian travel and the fast-moving world of traffic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sidewalk come from?
“Sidewalk” is a compound formed in English from “side” and “walk,” both of which are native English words. “Side” continues Old English sīde, while “walk” is related to Old English wealcan, meaning “to move on foot.” The compound became established in North American English during the 19th century and is now also understood, though less commonly, in other English-speaking varieties. Words such as “sideways,” “sideline,” and “sidetrack” share the older element “side,” although they developed through separate compounding.
Related word forms
How sidewalk is actually used
“Sidewalk” is standard in American and Canadian English and is used informally in some other English-speaking regions. British English generally prefers “pavement,” while “pavement” can also mean the paved surface of a road in American English.
Easily confused with sidewalk
In British English, “pavement” is the standard term for a pedestrian walkway beside a road; in American English, “sidewalk” is usual.