Meaning & use
pedestrians
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“pedestrians” is a form of “pedestrian”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
People who are walking, especially along a road or in a place where vehicles travel.
Grammar: This is the plural form; the singular is 'pedestrian'. It is a countable noun, so you can say 'a pedestrian' or 'two pedestrians'.
Patterns
- pedestrians cross the street
- pedestrians are injured
- yield to pedestrians
Drivers must stop for pedestrians at the crosswalk.
The city built a new sidewalk to keep pedestrians safe from traffic.
Hundreds of pedestrians filled the square during the festival.
Word forms
| singular | pedestrian |
|---|
Common combinations
- pedestrian crossing
- Always use the pedestrian crossing when you cross the road.
- pedestrian zone
- The city center is a pedestrian zone, so cars are not allowed.
- pedestrian traffic
- The sidewalk was crowded with pedestrian traffic during rush hour.
- pedestrian safety
- The new law aims to improve pedestrian safety.
Synonyms and how they differ
- walker
- A general word for someone who walks, often for exercise or pleasure; 'pedestrian' is used in the context of roads and traffic.
- foot traffic
- Refers to the movement of people on foot, not the individuals themselves; 'pedestrians' are the people.
Opposites
Word family
- pedestrian noun
- Singular form: a person who is walking.
- pedestrian adjective
- Dull or uninspired; e.g., 'a pedestrian performance'.
- pedestrianize verb
- To make a street or area for pedestrians only.
Commonly confused: pedestrians or pediatricians?
pedestrians vs pediatricians
These are doctors for children, not people walking. The similar sound can cause confusion.
Practice
The sign says 'Yield to ______.' Which word correctly completes the sentence?
Choose one answer.
The sentence needs a plural noun to refer to multiple people walking. 'Pedestrian' is singular, and the possessive forms do not fit the meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “pedestrians”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.