rhizoverbBeta
DictionarylaneNarrow road
noun

lane

LAYN/leɪn/

A narrow passage reserved for movement along a route.

A compact car travels down a narrow lane between hedges.

A narrow country road closely bordered by hedges, with one compact car showing that the road is only about one vehicle wide.
Etymology
laneOld Englishnarrow hedged-in road

Old English lanu described a narrow road enclosed by hedges. That bounded-path image extends to a marked strip for traffic, though the word’s deeper origin is unknown.

In context

CGP Grey3:41
A solid lane of self-driving cars vastly increases throughput.
Traffic Has a Perfect Solution. Humans Are the Problem.

More examples

  • The lane behind our house leads to the farm.
  • Check your mirrors before changing lanes.
  • Keep the bike lane clear of parked cars.
  • Each swimmer stays in a separate lane.

Forms

lane · lanes

Similar words

alley
Usually a narrow passage between or behind buildings.
path
Often intended for walking rather than vehicle traffic.
road
A general vehicle route, often containing several marked lanes.