park

/pɑːrk/
public green space

Let's go to the park this weekend.

A common place to relax, play, or walk outdoors.


formal

An area of land with grass and trees, designed for public recreation.

The children played in the park every afternoon.

A safe and designated outdoor area for play.

Central Park in New York is famous worldwide.

A large, well-known park in a major city.

Often includes playgrounds, benches, and walking paths.

informal

To leave a vehicle temporarily in a particular place.

Please park the car in the driveway.

To position a vehicle and leave it stationary.

Don't park here—it's a no-parking zone.

A restricted area where parking is prohibited.

Commonly used in driving contexts.

technical

A large area of land preserved in its natural state, often for wildlife or recreation.

Yellowstone National Park attracts millions of visitors annually.

A protected area managed for conservation and public enjoyment.

May also refer to a sports field or industrial area.

Collocations

amusement parka park with rides and attractionscar parka designated area for parking vehiclesnational parka protected area of natural beautypark bencha long seat in a public parkparking lotan area for parking cars

Related Phrases

the parkphrase
a specific park known to the speaker and listener
parking meterphrase
a device that collects payment for parking
park rangerphrase
a person who manages and protects a park

Pro Tip

Common Mistakes

Avoid using 'park' as a verb without specifying the location (e.g., 'I parked the car' is correct; 'I parked' is incomplete).

Gold Rule

Noun vs. Verb

As a noun, 'park' refers to a place. As a verb, it means to leave a vehicle in a spot.

Word Origin

From Old French 'parc' (enclosure), derived from Late Latin 'parricus' (enclosed space), of Germanic origin (compare Old High German 'parc' and English 'paddock'). Originally referred to an enclosed hunting ground.

Usage Notes

As a verb, 'park' is often used with the preposition 'at' or 'in' (e.g., 'park at the mall'). In British English, 'car park' is common, while in American English 'parking lot' is preferred.

Word Breakdown

park
enclosed space
root
English Dictionary