lane

1 of 2

noun

ˈlān 

1

: a narrow passageway between fences or hedges

2

: a relatively narrow way or track: such as

a

: an ocean route used by or prescribed for ships

b

: a strip of roadway for a single line of vehicles

c

: air lane

d

: any of several parallel courses on a track or swimming pool in which a competitor must stay during a race

e

: an unmarked lengthwise division of a playing area which defines the playing zone of a particular player

f

: a narrow hardwood surface having pins at one end and a gutter along each side that is used in bowling

g

: free throw lane

lane

2 of 2

Scottish variant of lone

Examples of lane in a Sentence

Noun

The truck's driver kept changing lanes.

She moved to the outside lane.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The administration continues to rely heavily on executive action while Congress tests legislative lanes. — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Just months after the Charlotte region’s transportation board voted to kill support for the Interstate 77 South Toll lane project, talks of community investments that could be brought forth by the controversial project has reignited the debate. — Dj Simmons august 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026

Taylor broke from the lane and curled around a screen at the top of the key to take an inbounds pass from Natasha Cloud for the catch-and-shoot winner that ended the Sky's seven-game losing streak against the defending champions. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Currently, access to the property is limited to a two-lane causeway that also serves as the road connecting the Harbor View neighborhood to the rest of Norwalk. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English lanu; akin to Middle Dutch lane lane

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lane

• air lane
• breakdown lane
• express lane
• fast lane
• free throw lane
• memory lane
• passing lane
• sea-lane
• slow lane

Rhymes for lane

• ane
• bane
• blain
• brain
• cane
• chaine
• cheyne
• deign
• drain
• fain
• fane
• feign

Kids Definition

lane

noun

ˈlān

1

: a narrow way or road usually between fences, hedges, or buildings

2

: a somewhat narrow way or track: as

a

: an ocean route for ships

also : air lane

b

: a strip of roadway for a single line of vehicles

c

: a bowling alley

Biographical Definition

Lane

biographical name

ˈlān 

Edward William 1801–1876 English orientalist