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 University of Arkansas Police Department posted on social media about the break around 9:30 a.m. saying eastbound traffic along MLK was being diverted to the center turn lane and was expected to remain that way for six to seven more hours. —Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 19 Oct. 2024

Safety Toyota’s got state-of-the-art safety equipment including lane departure warning and keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. —Josh Max, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Those lane restrictions will be in effect from 9 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday, 9 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday, and 9 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday. —Olivia Rose, The Arizona Republic, 18 Oct. 2024

Our survey findings have policy implications for the RTA’s newest effort to build ridership, by setting aside traffic lanes on thoroughfares or other roadways for buses. —Will Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2024

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

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