pavement

noun

pave·​ment ˈpāv-mənt How to pronounce pavement (audio)
1
: a paved surface: such as
a
: the artificially covered surface of a public thoroughfare
b
chiefly British : sidewalk
2
: the material with which something is paved
3
: something that suggests a pavement (as in flatness, hardness, and extent of surface)

Examples of pavement in a Sentence

He stopped the car just off the pavement. The summer heat rose off the pavement.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That is much quicker than most of us will ever drive on smooth pavement, yet the waters of Mission Bay were anything but smooth. Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025 This is more than enough grunt to sustain any freeway merging or overtaking needs, and with its all-wheel-drive system, the Jeep is more than capable of putting it to the pavement. Brett Berk, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2025 As for what the protestors hoped to gain from pounding the pavement in Burbank, several said a repeal of ABC’s decision the day prior would at least be a start. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025 Helene brought heavy winds and rain that caused landslides and eroded sections of pavement both south and north of Asheville. Graham Averill, Outside, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pavement

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin pavimentum, from pavire

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pavement was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pavement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pavement. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

pavement

noun
pave·​ment ˈpāv-mənt How to pronounce pavement (audio)
1
: a paved surface (as of a street)
2
: the material with which something is paved

More from Merriam-Webster on pavement

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!