blacktop

American  

[blak-top] / ˈblækˌtɒp /

noun

1. a bituminous substance, usually asphalt, for paving roads, parking lots, playgrounds, etc.

2. a road covered with blacktop.

---

adjective

1. pertaining to or surfaced with blacktop.

   a blacktop driveway.

verb (used with object)

blacktopped, blacktopping

1. to pave with blacktop.

blacktop British  

/ ˈblækˌtɒp /

noun

1. a bituminous mixture used for paving

2. a road paved with this mixture

---

Etymology

Origin of blacktop

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35; black + top ¹

Example Sentences

The first sounds of the morning came from the tinny speaker playing hip-hop and reggaeton, and the crash of pine trees falling on the blacktop.

From Slate • Jan. 27, 2026

It’s time to grab your best fit and hit the blacktop of Chavez Ravine.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2025

"When she starts running her mouth, you better not say anything back because she won't miss!" is what was shared amongst the dudes who battled her on the blacktop daily.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2024

On the morning of the landslide, Ron DeQuilettes, an electrical contractor who also did blacktop installation work, was to come to the house to give an estimate for a new driveway.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 17, 2024

Then I saw Tobias slowly coming out to the blacktop.

From "Maybe He Just Likes You" by Barbara Dee