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

Venture through the steep, winding lanes lined with high-end boutiques and restaurants while taking in panoramic views of the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea below. — Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026

The northbound service lane adjacent to M&T Bank Stadium will be closed. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

According to a Kansas Highway Patrol report, a GMC truck and a Hyundai SUV were headed south on the interstate when the truck hit the SUV and went into oncoming traffic lanes. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026

Audrey Allen, of Oakland Park, was driving a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan at high speeds in the center lane on West Oakland Park Boulevard, the sheriff’s office said. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 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
• carpool lane
• express lane
• fast lane
• free throw lane
• HOV 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