sidewalk

American  

[sahyd-wawk] / ˈsaɪdˌwɔk /

noun

1. a walk, especially a paved one, at the side of a street or road.

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sidewalk British  

/ ˈsaɪdˌwɔːk /

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): pavement.  a hard-surfaced path for pedestrians alongside and a little higher than a road

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Etymology

Origin of sidewalk

First recorded in 1660–70; side ¹ + walk

Explanation

A sidewalk is a paved path for walking, often alongside a road. If your neighborhood has sidewalks, it's easier and safer to take a little jog. While English speakers in other parts of the world might use words like footpath or pavement instead, North Americans typically use sidewalk. Most sidewalks are slightly higher than the street and are often separated from them by a curb or a strip of grass. There is some historical evidence that Ancient Greece had sidewalks, though the word itself dates from about 1740.

Example Sentences

On the sidewalk outside a charging station in downtown Abuja, women shading themselves with umbrellas sell mangoes and peanuts steps away from a Tesla Cybertruck.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Bikes, tricycles, roller skates and sidewalk games during the summer months were the norm.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

A makeshift memorial has been erected on the sidewalk in front of the centre's gates and police cars still patrol the area surrounding the southern California institution.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Guests were separated from the street by large black panels, while onlookers and tourists were able to enjoy the show live from the sidewalk as it was broadcast across screens in the famed neighborhood.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

Aunt Kate tilted her head to the side as we pressed on down the wooden-plank sidewalk, both of us making a tip-tap sound as we went.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Related Words

• boardwalk
• pavement
• walkway