pedestrian

adjective

pe·des·tri·an | \ pə-ˈde-strē-ən

Definition of pedestrian

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : commonplace, unimaginative his sentences and phrases are too often pedestrian, commonplace, and flat —The Times Literary Supplement (London)

2a : going or performed on foot pedestrian traffic a pedestrian tour of the village

b : of, relating to, or designed for walking a pedestrian mall a pedestrian bridge

pedestrian

noun

Definition of pedestrian (Entry 2 of 2)

: a person going on foot : walker

Synonyms & Antonyms How Should You Use pedestrian? More Example Sentences Learn More about pedestrian

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How Should You Use pedestrian?

Most of us know pedestrian as a noun meaning someone who travels on foot. But the adjective sense of pedestrian as defined here is actually its original meaning. To be pedestrian was to be drab or dull, as if plodding along on foot rather than speeding on horseback or by coach. Pedestrian is often used to describe a colorless or lifeless writing style, but it can also describe politicians, public tastes, personal qualities, or possessions. In comparison with the elaborate stage shows put on by today's rock artists, for instance, most of the stage presentations of 1960s rock stars seem pedestrian.

Examples of pedestrian in a Sentence

Adjective

He lived a pedestrian life, working at the paper mill and living in his trailer. pedestrian concerns like paying the bills and getting the kids to school on time

Noun

The car slid off the road and almost hit a group of pedestrians.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The Cultural Trail is an urban bike and pedestrian path that connects neighborhoods around the center of the city. — Sarah Bahr, Indianapolis Star, "Ultimate Indiana bucket list: 50+ things to do in Indianapolis and around the state," 11 July 2018 First established by Native Americans, this pedestrian path ran past some of the highest ground on the island of Manhattan. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "10 Streets that Changed America," 5 July 2018 The city is facing an unplanned $866,900 expenditure related to a new pedestrian path along Espola Road. — Steve Dreyer, Pomerado News, "Espola Road pathway errors add $877K in costs," 21 June 2018 The project will include improvements to the Causeway bike and pedestrian path, Tan said. — Tony Bizjak And Kellen Browning, sacbee, "Toll lanes on the Yolo Causeway? State begins tackling I-80 bottlenecks with creative ideas," 4 June 2018 As part of the new South End Vision Plan under consideration by Charlotte City Council, a pedestrian path running along the light rail has been identified as a priority. — Ely Portillo, charlotteobserver, "A new bridge could connect uptown and South End for pedestrians | Charlotte Observer," 13 Apr. 2018 Over the years, the structure has continued to the deteriorate to the point that the pedestrian path underneath it has been fenced and closed for two years. — Luz Lazo, Washington Post, "Here’s why Metro wants to get rid of D.C.’s last trolley trestle," 11 Apr. 2018 In work beginning in the fall, 2016, and lasting about a year, both received smoother grading and far better pedestrian accessibility. — Bill Banks, ajc, "Decatur still waiting on state-of-the art traffic cabinets," 12 July 2018 This may seem relatively pedestrian compared to, say, the exciting worlds of robotics or augmented reality. — James Vincent, The Verge, "Apple’s new AI chief might actually be the right person to fix Siri," 11 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Sidewalks are also be improved with new pedestrian ramps that will be accessible to the disabled. — Michelle Mullins, Elgin Courier-News, "Elgin News Digest," 13 July 2018 The Anderson Ferry began operations in 1817 transporting vehicles and pedestrians between Constance and Cincinnati. — Melissa Reinert, Cincinnati.com, "Anderson Ferry sends best wishes to MS Lucky Lady," 13 July 2018 The National Capital Planning Commission on Thursday postponed a decision on the Smithsonian National Zoo’s proposal for extended security fencing and the reduction of the zoo’s pedestrian entrances from 13 to three. — Michael E. Ruane, Washington Post, "Plans for new Zoo fence and entrance put on hold," 12 July 2018 Three pedestrians were hit while trying to cross Thompson Road in Apopka Wednesday night, troopers said. — Ryan Gillespie, OrlandoSentinel.com, "3 pedestrians hit by driver in Apopka, troopers say," 12 July 2018 The 27-year-old driver in the fatal crash that killed four pedestrians in Fountain Hills was looking down, speeding and using his phone seconds before the collision, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday. — Nathan J. Fish, azcentral, "MCSO: Driver in fatal Fountain Hills crash was speeding, using phone," 11 July 2018 Most pedestrians are very traffic-conscious most of the time. — Matt Simon, WIRED, "Why Did the Human Cross the Road? To Confuse the Self-Driving Car," 10 July 2018 The platform — most noticeable as its crosses over Asylum Street — also could be shared by pedestrians in an approach similar to the High Line in New York City, creating a walking path from the state Capitol to downtown. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Courant Community, "Hartford's Union Station May Be Used By CTfastrak Under Redevelopment Plan," 9 July 2018 The second phase of the signage program is to develop signs for pedestrians or kiosks that would direct visitors to areas of the downtown and special events. — Linda Girardi, Aurora Beacon-News, "Yorkville looks at signs to draw more people downtown," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pedestrian.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.