lane
layn
Lane (noun) means a narrow road, path, or passageway, often bordered by hedges, walls, or buildings. Example: “We followed the winding country lane down to the village.”
noun
1
A narrow road, path, or passageway, often bordered by hedges, walls, or buildings.
"We followed the winding country lane down to the village."
"A narrow lane ran between the two houses."
"The postman cycled down the quiet lane between the fields."
2
One of the marked strips a road is divided into for a single line of traffic, or a similar division on a track, pool, or bowling alley.
"She swerved into the next lane to avoid the pothole."
"The swimmer stayed in her lane for the entire race."
"Keep to the left lane unless you are overtaking another car."
How to use lane
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA narrow road or path, or one of the marked divisions of a road, track, or pool.
Common pairings
change lanes
bike lane
country lane
swimming lane
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Word forms
- Plural
- lanes
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We followed the winding country _____ down to the village.
Etymology
From Old English lanu, "a lane, alley," related to Dutch laan.
Related words
Rhymes for lane
See all rhymes for lane →Frequently asked questions
What does “lane” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “lane”?
“Lane” is pronounced layn (/leɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “lane” in a sentence?
Here is “lane” used in a sentence: “We followed the winding country lane down to the village.”
What part of speech is “lane”?
“Lane” is a noun.
Where does the word “lane” come from?
The word “lane” comes from Old English. From Old English lanu, "a lane, alley," related to Dutch laan.
Is “lane” a common word?
“Lane” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “lane” have?
“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.
What is the difference between a lane and a road?
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.
What are the types of lane?
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.
What is the difference between a lane and an alley?
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'.
What is an example of a 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.
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