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

Reports also indicate the need for an additional $5 million in general funds to maintain and improve pavement conditions, which was identified as a priority for residents in the initial survey. —Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

The collision separated the truck's cab from the trailer, which appeared to be hauling a large pavement grinder. —Kris Habermehl, CBS News, 7 May 2026

Ahead, entertaining experts share how to pull off the perfect party on the pavement with 10 easy-to-follow steps. —Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2026

The group of cyclists, who fell after the clash, collided into the side of the SUV and fell onto the pavement. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 1 May 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