Travel / B1

PEL-ik-uh-n-kros-ing/ˈpelɪkən ˌkrɒsɪŋ/

A pelican crossing (id: pelican-crossing) is a UK pedestrian crossing with traffic lights that change when you press the button. A zebra crossing has black-and-white stripes and no lights; drivers should stop if you are waiting. The name comes from pelicon (pedestrian light controlled). Countable.

Meaning

A pedestrian crossing with lights that you press a button to change (UK).

Examples

• “Use the pelican crossing by the library; the road is busy.”
• “Wait for the green man at the pelican crossing; do not step out on amber.”
• “The pelican crossing beeps for people who cannot see the lights clearly.”

Good to know

a pelican crossing (UK). Contrast: a zebra crossing (stripes, no lights). Press the button; wait for the green man.

Topics

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