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

Today, the city’s Ferris wheel and bumper cars sit rusting untouched, the surrounding apartment blocks standing hollowed out by looters and the natural decay of time passed while trees push through the pavement where playgrounds once stood. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026

Traditionally, a racetrack is little more than a remote ribbon of pavement bordered by garages and a paddock full of motor homes—purpose‑built for speed but short on comfort, community, or broader appeal. — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Smith grabbed Hicks near her throat and slammed her into the car and onto the pavement, according to Hicks’ attorney. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

While most hardside coolers have two wheels, this one boasts four 360-degree spinner wheels, designed to roll smoothly across pavement, grass, and packed sand—a feature one review compared to the quality of a premium carry-on. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026

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
• pounded the streets/pavement
• 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