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

Keep scrolling for more

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

Phil Pressel, an 82-year-old Holocaust survivor, was among the 10 or so people who spoke to the protesters from a pedestrian bridge. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Thousands march in San Ysidro to protest ICE, immigrant detention centers," 12 July 2019 The cost of the pedestrian bridge is included in the total I-4 Ultimate project cost. — Kevin Spear, orlandosentinel.com, "Maitland I-4 pedestrian bridge design scaled back, now ‘accentuated by chain link’," 11 July 2019 More concrete: a pedestrian bridge over the Mystic River that would connect Assembly Row and the Orange Line in Somerville to the casino site. — Jon Chesto, BostonGlobe.com, "Wynn offers investors a glimpse of Everett’s development potential," 11 July 2019 But outside the gates of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, a line of spectators snakes down Church Road, across a pedestrian bridge and serpentines through a massive grass park on the other side of the street. — Sam Farmer, latimes.com, "Wimbledon fans camp out for days to buy tickets: ‘It’s a very jolly atmosphere’," 10 July 2019 The firm is taking 25 samples across both sites, anywhere from 2 inches to 12 inches underground, including a pair of 20-foot-deep samples where the pedestrian bridge is planned over Indiana Street. — John Aguilar, The Denver Post, "Trail plans prompt first soil samples in 13 years at Rocky Flats," 2 July 2019 Grand Chute police said officers responded to a report of a joey hopping across a pedestrian bridge over Interstate 41 Monday morning. — Fox News, "Wisconsin police on 'kangaroo watch' after joey seen hopping across bridge," 25 June 2019 Plans include pedestrian bridges and new trails which will extend over five miles and connect 10 subdivisions, the YMCA and Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve. — Houston Chronicle, "Final opportunities remain at Valencia at Rock Creek," 23 June 2019 The pedestrian bridge over I-35W at Fifth Street will be taken down, according to MnDOT. — Jasmine Johnson, Twin Cities, "I-35W in Minneapolis will close for weekend; I-35 closings starts Tuesday in Forest Lake," 17 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Reports of injuries have piled up, and complaints about unsafe scooter drivers have come in from both pedestrians and car drivers. — Hayat Norimine, Dallas News, "Dallas could add more limits on scooter rides to address safety risks," 13 July 2019 Capan was a pedestrian in east Birmingham when she was struck and killed early Sunday morning. — Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al.com, "3 killed in separate Jefferson County crashes over the holiday weekend," 8 July 2019 Details about that person’s condition — and whether the person was a pedestrian or in a vehicle — weren’t immediately available. — Alex Wigglesworth, latimes.com, "Woman struck and killed on 5 Freeway in Arleta," 6 July 2019 There were no pedestrians, and no injuries were reported. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Second eucalyptus tree cut down next to historic Balboa Park theater," 3 July 2019 The victim’s cousin, Jesse Davila, said Montoya was the pedestrian who was killed in the hit-and-run crash. — Jennifer Kovaleski, The Denver Post, "Man killed in vehicle-pedestrian crash at Gaylord Rockies Resort died saving others, family says," 1 July 2019 There were no pedestrians in the way, there was nothing blocking our path. — James Brown, CBS News, "Defending DJ: Was the fatal shooting of a Pace University football player justified?," 22 June 2019 In the hilarious video, much of the recreation takes place in front of the iconic Arc De Triomphe, but the best part is the pedestrians who pass by, watching with confusion. — Kirsten Spruch, Billboard, "James Corden Brings 'Les Miserables' to Paris Streets For 'Crosswalk The Musical': Watch," 20 June 2019 The buildings and the layout of the area weren’t particularly pedestrian friendly or walkable, with many of the property entrances connected to garages rather than the street, brokers and analysts said. — Keiko Morris, WSJ, "Crystal City Properties Were a Bust. Then Amazon Came Calling.," 6 Nov. 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.