asphalt

1 of 2

noun

as·​phalt ˈas-ˌfȯlt 

also ˈash-

especially British -ˌfalt

variants or less commonly asphaltum

as-ˈfȯl-təm 

especially British -ˈfal-

1

: a dark bituminous substance that is found in natural beds and is also obtained as a residue in petroleum refining and that consists chiefly of hydrocarbons

2

: an asphaltic composition used for pavements and as a waterproof cement

asphaltic

as-ˈfȯl-tik 

especially British -ˈfal-

adjective

asphalt

2 of 2

verb

asphalted; asphalting; asphalts

transitive verb

: to cover with asphalt : pave sense 1

Examples of asphalt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Upon the recommendation of the city’s Environmental Sustainability Committee, the council unanimously voted March 2 to give initial approval to a citywide prohibition of the thick black sealant commonly used on parking lots to enhance appearance and protect asphalt. —Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

Her furious attempts to extricate herself from Ramirez ended with her smacking her head on the parking lot asphalt and Ramirez hitting her in the right eye, according to the arrest report. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026

Verb

The home was designed for the Walter, who had become wealthy asphalting rural roads. —AFAR Media, 14 July 2025

As is typical behavior for the animals, the majority of holes are in fairly close proximity to the pond, but Hart noticed one of particular concern which seemed to be leading to a burrow beneath the parks asphalt walking track. —Patrick Camp The Cullman Times, al, 7 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English aspalt, from Late Latin aspaltus, from Greek asphaltos

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing asphalt

• asphalt jungle

Rhymes for asphalt

• assault
• basalt
• cobalt
• default
• exalt
• gestalt
• alt
• fault
• gault
• halt
• malt
• sault

Kids Definition

asphalt

1 of 2 noun

as·​phalt ˈas-ˌfȯlt 

1

: a brown to black substance that is found in natural beds or obtained as something left in petroleum or coal-tar refining and that consists chiefly of compounds of carbon and hydrogen

2

: any of various compositions of asphalt having different uses (as for pavement or for waterproof cement or paint)

asphaltic

as-ˈfȯl-tik 

adjective

asphalt

2 of 2 verb

: to cover with asphalt