Definition

Noun: A very sharp, U-shaped bend or curve in a road, resembling the shape of a hairpin. These bends are typically found on steep slopes, such as in mountainous areas, to allow a road to ascend or descend a significant elevation change in a relatively short horizontal distance.

Usage

This term is used specifically to describe a tight turn in a roadway. It is a compound noun, so it functions as a single unit to name this specific type of road feature.

Examples

• Drivers must slow down significantly for the hairpin bend ahead.
• The mountain road is famous for its series of dangerous hairpin bends.
• Navigating that hairpin bend in a large truck requires great skill.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contexts related to driving, motorsports (like rally racing), and road engineering.
• It can be used metaphorically to describe any sudden, sharp change in direction or strategy, though this is less common.

Variants and Related Words

• Hairpin turn: A direct synonym, more commonly used in American English.
• Switchback: A very close synonym, often implying a bend that reverses the direction of travel on a slope. A road may consist of a series of switchbacks.
• Sharp bend/curve: A more general term.

Synonyms

• Sharp bend
• Hairpin turn
• Switchback
• U-turn (specifically for a 180-degree turn)

Antonyms

• Straightaway
• Gentle curve
• Long, sweeping bend

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To negotiate a hairpin bend: To successfully drive through one.
  • The cyclist skillfully negotiated every hairpin bend on the descent.

Noun

1. a U-shaped bend in a road