lane

The word “lane” means a narrow road, path, or passageway, often bordered by hedges, walls, or buildings. In plain terms, a narrow road or path, or one of the marked divisions of a road, track, or pool.

“Lane” is pronounced layn (/leɪn/ in IPA).

Here is “lane” used in a sentence: “We followed the winding country lane down to the village.”

“Lane” is a noun.

The word “lane” comes from Old English. From Old English lanu, "a lane, alley," related to Dutch laan.

“Lane” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Lane” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a narrow road, path, or passageway, often bordered by hedges, walls, or buildings.

A road is any route built for vehicles, and can be wide or busy. A lane is specifically narrow, often rural and bordered by hedges, walls, or buildings. Every lane is a kind of road, but the word 'lane' always suggests something small, quiet, or tightly enclosed.

The word covers several meanings: a country lane between fields, a traffic lane marking part of a wider road, a swimming lane in a pool, or a bowling lane. In each case the idea is a narrow, defined strip within which movement is channelled.

Both are narrow, but a lane is often a country path or a marked strip of road, and can be pleasant and open. An alley is a narrow passage between or behind buildings in a town, usually enclosed and functional. 'Alley' feels distinctly more urban than 'lane'.

A quiet country lane winding between hedgerows is the classic image. Other everyday examples include the fast lane on a motorway, lane four on a running track, or the lane where a bowling ball rolls toward the pins — each a narrow, marked route for movement.