park
pahk
Park (noun) means an area of land, often in or near a town, set aside for recreation or preserved in a natural state. Example: “The kids played frisbee in the park after school.”
noun
1
An area of land, often in or near a town, set aside for recreation or preserved in a natural state.
"The kids played frisbee in the park after school."
"We had a picnic by the pond in the park on Sunday."
"The town has a lovely park with a playground and a café."
2
A designated area for a particular purpose, such as an industrial or business park.
"The company relocated to a new office park outside the city."
"Several small firms rent units in the science park near the motorway."
"The new retail park has a huge car park and plenty of shops."
verb
1
To bring a vehicle to a stop and leave it in a particular spot.
"She parked the car outside the bakery."
"We couldn't find anywhere to park near the stadium."
"You can't park on the double yellow lines outside the school."
2
To set aside or postpone a matter for later.
"Let's park that discussion until next week's meeting."
"Let's park the budget question and move on to the schedule."
"She decided to park the idea until she had more time to think."
How to use park
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn open piece of land for recreation, or the act of stopping and leaving a vehicle somewhere.
Common pairings
park a car
national park
park the idea
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Word forms
- Plural
- parks
- Third person singular
- parks
- Past tense
- parked
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Can you complete this real example?
The kids played frisbee in the _____ after school.
Etymology
From Old French parc, "livestock pen," from Frankish *parrik ("enclosure"). The word originally meant an enclosed piece of land for game or livestock before it broadened to today's recreational and functional senses.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for park
See all rhymes for park →Frequently asked questions
What does “park” mean?
The word “park” means an area of land, often in or near a town, set aside for recreation or preserved in a natural state. In plain terms, an open piece of land for recreation, or the act of stopping and leaving a vehicle somewhere.
How do you pronounce “park”?
“Park” is pronounced pahk ([pʰɑɹk] in IPA).
How do you use “park” in a sentence?
Here is “park” used in a sentence: “The kids played frisbee in the park after school.”
What is another word for “park”?
Words with a similar meaning to “park” include Hog.
What is the opposite of “park”?
The opposite of “park” — its antonyms — are building, skyscraper and street.
What part of speech is “park”?
Depending on how it is used, “park” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “park” come from?
The word “park” comes from Old French. From Old French parc, "livestock pen," from Frankish *parrik ("enclosure"). The word originally meant an enclosed piece of land for game or livestock before it broadened to today's recreational and functional senses.
Is “park” a common word?
“Park” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between a park and a garden?
A park is a large, open public space set aside for recreation, often with lawns, trees, paths, and room for activities. A garden is usually smaller and more cultivated, focused on growing flowers, plants, or vegetables. Parks are mainly for public leisure; gardens are tended, planted spaces, whether public or private.
What are the different types of parks?
Parks come in many forms. Public or municipal parks offer green space within towns; national parks protect large natural landscapes; theme parks and amusement parks provide rides and attractions; and there are skate parks, dog parks, and business or science parks too. The word covers both recreational and preserved land.
Why are parks important?
Parks give people space to relax, exercise, and meet outdoors, which benefits both physical and mental health. They also support wildlife, cool cities, absorb rainwater, and clean the air. As free, shared spaces, they bring communities together and offer contact with nature to those who might not otherwise reach it.
What is an example of a park?
Famous examples include Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London — large urban parks used for walking, sports, and events. National parks such as Yellowstone protect wild landscapes. On a smaller scale, a local park might simply have grass, benches, trees, and a children's playground.
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