asphalt

1 of 2

noun

as·​phalt ˈas-ˌfȯlt 

 also  ˈash-,

 especially British  -ˌfalt

variants or less commonly asphaltum

as-ˈfȯl-təm 

 especially British  -ˈfal-

1

: a dark bituminous substance that is found in natural beds and is also obtained as a residue in petroleum refining and that consists chiefly of hydrocarbons

2

: an asphaltic composition used for pavements and as a waterproof cement

asphaltic

as-ˈfȯl-tik 

 especially British  -ˈfal-

adjective

asphalt

2 of 2

verb

asphalted; asphalting; asphalts

transitive verb

: to cover with asphalt : pave sense 1

Examples of asphalt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In January 2024, for example, it was reported that Sargeant’s Global Oil Management reached a deal to buy the equivalent of 570,000 barrels of asphalt from PDVSA to be used in infrastructure projects in the United States. —Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025

Blue green examples such as replacing schoolyard asphalt with permeable surfaces are mentioned, but the key solution touched on is the benefit of expanding recreation and open space. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025

Verb

As is typical behavior for the animals, the majority of holes are in fairly close proximity to the pond, but Hart noticed one of particular concern which seemed to be leading to a burrow beneath the parks asphalt walking track. —Patrick Camp The Cullman Times, al, 7 July 2023

In the pasture nearby, her Irish sport horse, Valhalla, rolled on its back contentedly, as Ms. Uhlar enumerated the roads lost to asphalt during her lifetime. —Jim Zarroli, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English aspalt, from Late Latin aspaltus, from Greek asphaltos

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing asphalt

• asphalt jungle

Kids Definition

asphalt

1 of 2 noun

as·​phalt ˈas-ˌfȯlt 

1

: a brown to black substance that is found in natural beds or obtained as something left in petroleum or coal-tar refining and that consists chiefly of compounds of carbon and hydrogen

2

: any of various compositions of asphalt having different uses (as for pavement or for waterproof cement or paint)

asphaltic

as-ˈfȯl-tik 

adjective

asphalt

2 of 2 verb

: to cover with asphalt