lane

1 of 2

noun

ˈlān 

1

: a narrow passageway between fences or hedges

2

: a relatively narrow way or track: such as

a

: an ocean route used by or prescribed for ships

b

: a strip of roadway for a single line of vehicles

c

: air lane

d

: any of several parallel courses on a track or swimming pool in which a competitor must stay during a race

e

: an unmarked lengthwise division of a playing area which defines the playing zone of a particular player

f

: a narrow hardwood surface having pins at one end and a gutter along each side that is used in bowling

g

: free throw lane

lane

2 of 2

Scottish variant of lone

Examples of lane in a Sentence

Noun

The truck's driver kept changing lanes.

She moved to the outside lane.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Structural issues have prevented crews from gaining a complete understanding of the damage almost two weeks after a fire closed the bridge's southbound lanes, ODOT spokesperson Kathleen Fuller said. —Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024

In both 2022 and 2024, Dolan ran in Republicans' moderate lane, declining to align with Trump and disavowing his false claims that voter fraud lost him the 2020 election. —CBS News, 22 Nov. 2024

Guests with no bags or clutches smaller than 4 inches by 6 inches can use Evolv express entry lanes for quickest entry. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024

The 3 right lanes are blocked due to a disabled vehicle. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English lanu; akin to Middle Dutch lane lane

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lane

• air lane
• breakdown lane
• express lane
• fast lane
• free throw lane
• memory lane
• passing lane
• sea-lane
• slow lane

Kids Definition

lane

noun

ˈlān

1

: a narrow way or road usually between fences, hedges, or buildings

2

: a somewhat narrow way or track: as

a

: an ocean route for ships

also : air lane

b

: a strip of roadway for a single line of vehicles

c

: a bowling alley

Biographical Definition

Lane

biographical name

ˈlān 

Edward William 1801–1876 English orientalist