rest stop

American  

[rest stop] / ˈrɛst ˌstɒp /

noun

1. a stop made, as during a ride or trip in an automobile, so that one may get refreshments, use a restroom, etc.

2. a rest area, as a roadside parking or picnic area.

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rest stop British  

noun

1. the US name for lay-by

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Etymology

Origin of rest stop

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

“This 30 cents within the night, I’m just a little concerned,” Tun said while taking a break at a rest stop.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

“Every other federal building,” and even a popular I-95 rest stop in Delaware bears the Biden name, Doocy said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

But in recent months, I have noticed that what appeared to be peak Daily Me was perhaps just a rest stop on the way to the actual summit of Me Mountain.

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2024

Not all countries mandate regular rest stops for long journeys but those that do often mandate rest stop times that are too short to allow meaningful recovery.

From Science Daily • Jan. 23, 2024

Uncle Henry ignored him for a few more harrowing minutes, finally pulling over at a rest stop.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride