crosswalk

American  

[kraws-wawk, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌwɔk, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

1. a lane marked off for pedestrians to use when crossing a street, as at an intersection.

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crosswalk British  

/ ˈkrɒsˌwɔːk /

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): pedestrian crossing.  a path across a road marked as a crossing for pedestrians See also zebra crossing pelican crossing

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Etymology

Origin of crosswalk

First recorded in 1735–45; cross- + walk

Explanation

A crosswalk is a marked walkway across a road or street. Crosswalks make it safer for pedestrians to cross the street. Another term for a crosswalk is a "pedestrian crossing," a path for people to use when they cross the street. Some crosswalks are simply painted lines on the road, while others have traffic signals that show you when it's safe to cross. The earliest, 18th century version of a crosswalk was a path in a garden that cut across other paths, and by the 1850s it meant "pedestrian crossing."

Example Sentences

In a particularly poignant moment, Beverly Shelton — or “Grandma Beverly,” as she prefers— spoke teary-eyed about her grandson, Zachary Michael Cruz, who was killed in a Berkeley crosswalk 17 years ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2026

There were too many potholes at that intersection for his group to paint a crosswalk so it chose the nearby intersection of Wilkins and Kelton avenues for Sunday’s action instead.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

Meanwhile, the countdown to getting rid of those marvelous crosswalk eyeglasses has begun.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

“We all get a little bit exasperated when we see somebody shooting a video on a crosswalk holding a pumpkin,” Cole said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

Ophie asked, grabbing Penelope’s arm and dragging her back from the crosswalk before she could be smashed by the rumbling streetcar.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• bridge
• crossroad
• intersection
• junction
• overpass
• passage