footpath

Everyday

1. A footpath is a path made for people to walk on, not cars, often across fields, through parks or woods. tree →
2. In Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, the footpath is the pavement (US: sidewalk) — the paved path beside a road. tree →

In the lessons

Everyday life and safety: walk on the footpath, not the road; at the kerb, stop, look and listen before crossing; watch for cars coming out of driveways; in the countryside, stay on public footpaths, close gates behind you and follow the Countryside Code. Cyclists should be careful or not ride on footpaths, depending on local rules. Phrases: public footpath, stay on the footpath, along the footpath, footpath sign.

Examples

• Walk on the footpath, not on the road. tree →
• A public footpath crosses the farmer's field. tree →
• Close the gate behind you on the footpath. tree →
• Watch out for cars backing out of driveways across the footpath. tree →
• The footpath follows the river to the village. tree →
• In Melbourne we rode our scooters on the footpath. tree →
• He walked through the grass without following any well-worn footpath. tree →

Note

Countable: footpaths. Compound: foot + path. The words differ by country: UK pavement; US/Canada sidewalk; Australia, NZ, Ireland footpath. A «bridleway» is a path for horse riders, walkers and cyclists.