Definition

1. Noun:
   • A narrow road, especially in a rural area: A lane is a type of road, typically narrower than a street, often found in the countryside or as a small path.
   • A division of a road intended for a single line of traffic: In modern usage, a lane is a marked strip of road for vehicles to drive in one direction.
   • A prescribed course for ships or aircraft: A lane can also refer to a regular route used for navigation over sea or in the air.
   • A narrow course or track for competitors: In sports, a lane is a marked strip for a single participant, such as in swimming or running.

Usage and Examples

• As a narrow road:

  • We walked down a quiet country lane.
  • The cottage is at the end of a winding lane.

• As a division of a roadway:

  • Please stay in your lane while driving.
  • The highway has three lanes in each direction.

• In sports and navigation:

  • The swimmer in lane four won the race.
  • Shipping lanes are busy in this part of the ocean.

Advanced Usage

• "to change lanes": to move your vehicle from one traffic lane to another.

  • You must signal before you change lanes.

• "the fast lane / the slow lane": used literally for traffic lanes or metaphorically for a hectic or leisurely pace of life.

  • He's been living life in the fast lane since his promotion.
  • I prefer driving in the slow lane.

• "in the lane" (basketball): the painted area under the basket, also known as the key or the paint.

  • The center scored most of his points in the lane.

Variants and Related Words

• Laneway (n): chiefly Canadian & Australian; a narrow road or alley, similar to a lane.

  • The garage is accessible from the rear laneway.

• Bicycle lane / Bike lane (n): a part of the road designated for cyclists.

  • The city added a new bike lane on Main Street.

Synonyms

• Path: a way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading.
• Alley: a narrow street or passageway between or behind buildings.
• Track: a rough path or road, typically one beaten by use rather than constructed.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• It's a long lane that has no turning: (proverb) No bad situation lasts forever; a change for the better is always possible.

  • Don't give up hope; it's a long lane that has no turning.

• Life in the fast lane: a way of life characterized by a high level of activity, excitement, and often stress.

  • After becoming a successful trader, he experienced life in the fast lane.

• To be in the same lane: (informal) to have similar interests, goals, or ways of thinking.

  • We're not really in the same lane when it comes to political views.

Noun

1. a well-defined track or path; for e.g. swimmers or lines of traffic
2. a narrow way or road