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

Example Sentences

Noun

The truck's driver kept changing lanes.

She moved to the outside lane.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Kia’s system, in particular, was unable to stay in a lane through curves, according to Consumer Reports. —Peter Valdes-dapena, CNN, 25 Jan. 2023

The Toyota was forced into a Jeep Compass in the center lane and the Jeep rolled over on the right side of the highway, the warrant said. —Mike Mavredakis, Hartford Courant, 25 Jan. 2023

At the same time, the Dodge was headed southbound on Craycroft in the median lane when the two collided, according to the statement. —Kye Graves, The Arizona Republic, 18 Jan. 2023

His basket in the lane forged a 49-49 tie with 8:24 left. —Jeff Potrykus, Journal Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2023

The Spartans came out of the timeout, and Walker hit a midpaint floater off a bounce pass in the lane from Jaden Akins. —Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 16 Jan. 2023

Police found a silver Chevrolet Trax in the emergency lane on the left side of the interstate. —Carol Robinson | [e-mail], al, 1 Jan. 2023

Floaters in the lane instead of going all the way to the rim. —Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 13 Jan. 2023

Each Scout Pack or District may run their races a little differently, but each car usually runs a heat in each lane. —Bradley Ford, Popular Mechanics, 12 Jan. 2023

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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
• free throw lane
• memory lane
• sea-lane
• slow lane
• passing lane
• fast lane

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

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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