promenade

Everyday

1. (UK, Australia, NZ, Ireland) A wide path by the sea for walking along, often called «the prom». tree →
2. A slow, relaxed walk in a public place, to enjoy yourself or to be seen. tree →
3. (verb) To walk slowly and grandly in public. tree →
4. (US, old) A formal dance; the US school «prom» gets its name from this. tree →
5. (dance) A move in square dancing where partners walk round the circle together. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday British seaside life the prom is where you eat chips and ice cream; in history and stories ladies and gentlemen «promenaded» in parks. In music, the BBC «Proms» are concerts named after promenade concerts. Phrases: «along the promenade», «on the prom», «promenade deck».

Examples

• We walked along the promenade eating ice cream. tree →
• Brighton has a long promenade by the beach. tree →
• Victorian families liked to promenade on Sunday afternoons. tree →
• The ship's promenade deck had deckchairs. tree →
• Huge waves crashed over the promenade in the storm. tree →
• In square dancing, «Promenade!» means walk round with your partner. tree →
• The American high school prom takes its name from «promenade». tree →
• He walks about in the castle garden and on the promenades. tree →

Note

Countable: a promenade, promenades. Short form: prom (UK: seafront; US: school dance). Pronounced prom-uh-NAHD (UK) or prom-uh-NAYD (US). Safety: keep away from the edge of the promenade in stormy weather.