crossing guard
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who assists pedestrians, especially children, in safely crossing a street at a designated point, such as near a school. This person typically uses a stop sign or other signaling device to control traffic.
Usage
- The primary role of a crossing guard is to ensure the safety of pedestrians at crosswalks, particularly during times when children are traveling to and from school.
- This term specifically refers to the person performing this duty, not the location or the act itself.
Examples
- Noun:
- The crossing guard held up her stop sign so the children could cross the street.
- Parents feel more secure knowing there is a crossing guard at the busy intersection near the elementary school.
Advanced Usage
- "to work as a crossing guard": to have the job of a crossing guard.
- After retiring, he decided to work as a crossing guard part-time.
Variants and Related Words
- Crossing patrol (n): A British English term with a similar meaning to "crossing guard."
- Lollipop man/lady (n, informal, chiefly British): A colloquial term for a crossing guard, derived from the round stop sign they carry, which resembles a lollipop.
Synonyms
- School crossing guard: A more specific term emphasizing the school context.
- Crossing attendant: A less common, more formal synonym.
Related Phrases
- To direct traffic: A broader action that a crossing guard performs as part of their duty.
- The crossing guard expertly directed traffic during the morning rush.
Noun
-
someone who helps people (especially children) at a traffic crossing
