Definition

1. Noun:
   • A place where a railway line and a road cross at the same level: A "level crossing" is an intersection where a railway track and a road meet on the same plane, typically controlled by gates, barriers, lights, or bells to stop road traffic when a train is approaching or passing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The car stopped at the level crossing as the barriers came down.
  • Always look both ways at a level crossing before proceeding.
  • Several accidents have occurred at that poorly marked level crossing.

Advanced Usage

• "to approach a level crossing": to come near to the point where the road and railway intersect.
  • Drivers must slow down when they approach a level crossing.
• "a guarded/gated level crossing": a crossing equipped with physical barriers that are lowered when a train is due.
  • The new safety system will upgrade all unguarded crossings to gated level crossings.
• "an unguarded level crossing": a crossing without automatic barriers or gates, requiring road users to exercise extra caution.
  • It is particularly dangerous to cycle across an unguarded level crossing.

Variants and Related Words

• Grade crossing (n): (North American English) A synonym for "level crossing."
  • The sign warned of a grade crossing ahead.
• Railroad crossing (n): (North American English) Another common term for a level crossing.
  • The train whistle blew as it neared the railroad crossing.
• Crossing (n): Can be used as a shorter, more general term, but context is needed to specify it refers to a railway-road intersection.
  • The accident happened at the railway crossing.

Synonyms

• Railway crossing: A direct synonym, emphasizing the railway component.
• Grade crossing: (US/Canada) An exact synonym in American and Canadian English.

Related Phrases

• "to be stuck at a level crossing": to be stopped and waiting for a train to pass.
  • We were stuck at the level crossing for ten minutes by a slow freight train.
• "level crossing ahead": a common warning sign placed on roads before reaching the crossing.
  • The driver missed the 'level crossing ahead' sign and did not slow down.

Noun

1. intersection of a railway and a road on the same level; barriers close road when trains pass