pavement

noun

pave·​ment ˈpāv-mənt 

1

: a paved surface: such as

a

: the artificially covered surface of a public thoroughfare

b

chiefly British : sidewalk

2

: the material with which something is paved

3

: something that suggests a pavement (as in flatness, hardness, and extent of surface)

Examples of pavement in a Sentence

He stopped the car just off the pavement.

The summer heat rose off the pavement.

Recent Examples on the Web

The other four officers then opened fire, shooting dozens of rounds at Reed, who exited the vehicle before falling to the pavement. —Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025

The address sits mid-stride on The Strand—Los Angeles County’s 22-mile ribbon of beach-hugging pavement—and places Hermosa’s pier, volleyball courts and surfing swell just beyond the gate. —Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Currently, the famous Rose Garden is also under construction with pavement replacing the grass. —Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 31 July 2025

Another video shows the woman moments before she's knocked to the pavement, approaching the men involved in the fight. —Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin pavimentum, from pavire

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pavement

• hit the pavement
• pavement café
• pound the streets/pavement

Rhymes for pavement

• enslavement

Kids Definition

pavement

noun

pave·​ment ˈpāv-mənt 

1

: a paved surface (as of a street)

2

: the material with which something is paved