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

Independent entrepreneurs who really shine are thriving in their lane. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2024

The flow of traffic in the southbound lane of North Post Road between the 3400-3800 blocks will be impacted for several hours as the investigation is ongoing. —Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Oct. 2024

In addition to hands-free driving, Super Cruise can also change lanes automatically or with the tap of the turn signal. —Scotty Reiss, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Here's the schedule of ramp and lane closures for both freeways as crews race toward the finish line. —Elissa Robinson, Detroit Free Press, 25 Oct. 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