parking

American  

[par-king] / ˈpær kɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that parks, especially a vehicle.

2. space in which to park vehicles, as at a place of business or a public event.

   There's plenty of free parking at the stadium.

3. permission to park vehicles.

   Is there parking on this side of the street?

4. the activity or occupation of a person who operates or works in a parking lot, garage, or the like.

5. parking strip.

6. Informal. the act of kissing and caressing in a parked car.

   Some of the couples went parking on their way home from the dance.

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adjective

1. of, pertaining to, used for, or engaged in parking, especially of vehicles.

   parking regulations; a parking ticket; a parking space; a parking attendant.

Other Word Forms

• unparking adjective

Etymology

Origin of parking

First recorded in 1520–30; park + -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Their introduction hasn't been without controversy with many concerns over inconsiderate parking and riding.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Federal immigration agents were seen in the courthouse parking lot in Rancho Cucamonga around 9 a.m. and began arresting individuals as they left the building until about noon, advocates said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Upon arrival, you will pay the $15 entrance fee to the park, and then be directed to a large parking area.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Witnesses told ABC7 one man was surrounded by agents in the parking lot with his son just before 9:30 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

It was a squat, humble box of a building with a big rectangular service window nestled at the end of a long row of covered parking spots and green picnic tables, mostly occupied.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• embracing