plural parks
1
a
: a piece of public land in or near a city that is kept free of houses and other buildings and can be used for pleasure and exercise
We went for a walk in the park.
New York City's Central Park
He was sitting on a park bench. [=a bench in a park]
the city's park/parks department
b
: a large area of public land kept in its natural state to protect plants and animals
The nation's parks are a popular destination for tourists.
Yellowstone (National) Park
Many parks have campsites.
2
sports
a
: a field or stadium where a sport (especially baseball) is played
a baseball park
He hit the ball out of the park.
Fenway Park in Boston
b
British
: a soccer or rugby field
a rugby game in Eden Park
She's the best player on the park. [=in the game]
3
: an area that is designed for a specified use
a new office park [=an area with several buildings that are full of offices; an area for office buildings]
the town's only mobile home park [=an area for people to live in mobile homes]
4
US
: a condition in which the gears of a vehicle are in a position that prevents the vehicle from moving
The car must be in park before you can turn the engine off.
She pulled over and put the car in park.
parks; parked; parking
1
a
: to leave a car, truck, motorcycle, etc., in a particular place
I couldn't find anywhere to park.
I parked on the street.
I parked the car on the street.
My car is parked behind your truck. = I'm parked behind your truck.
a parked car
b
of a car, truck, etc.
: to be left in a particular place by a driver
Cars are only allowed to park on the right side of this street.
The bus parked behind the museum.
2
informal
a
: to temporarily leave (something) in a particular place
Park your bags in the hallway.
b
: to leave (something) in a particular place for a long time or what seems like a long time
She parked the money in a savings account and forgot about it for several years.
Cite this Entry
“Park.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/park. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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