Words / B1

p-uh-DESTR-ee-uh-n/pəˈdestriən/

A pedestrian is a person on foot in the street: pedestrian crossing; pedestrian zone; hit a pedestrian. Walker is informal and not the road-safety word. Pavement is where they should walk. Pedestrian as an adjective can also mean dull (a pedestrian speech) — extra sense, not the B1 traffic meaning. Do not use pedestrian for a cyclist or e-scooter rider.

Meaning

A person walking in the street, not travelling in a vehicle.

Examples

• “A pedestrian was injured when the car jumped the lights.”
• “The new pedestrian zone keeps cars out of the old town on Saturdays.”
• “Drivers must stop at a zebra crossing if a pedestrian is waiting.”

Good to know

pedestrian crossing / zone. Informal: walker. Path: pavement. Adjective extra sense: dull. Not a cyclist.

Near in meaning

walker

New