Definition

1. Proper noun:

   • A specific, proprietary web mapping service: "MapQuest" is the trademarked name of a free, widely-used online mapping and navigation platform that provides maps, driving directions, and location-based services.

2. Verb (informal, often lowercase):

   • To search for a location or directions using the MapQuest service: To use the MapQuest website or application to find a map, address, or travel route.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:

  • Before smartphones, many people relied on MapQuest for printing driving directions.
  • The MapQuest website offers both street maps and satellite imagery.

• Verb:

  • I don't know the address; just mapquest the restaurant before we leave.
  • She mapquested the quickest route to the airport.

Advanced Usage

• Genericized trademark: In informal contexts, "mapquest" is sometimes used as a verb synonymous with looking up directions online, regardless of the actual service used (similar to "google" for searching).
  • Hold on, let me mapquest how to get there from here.

Variants and Related Words

• Map (noun/verb): A visual representation of an area; to plan or chart a course.
• Navigate (verb): To plan and direct the route or course of a journey.
• GPS (noun): Global Positioning System; a satellite-based navigation system.

Synonyms

• Look up (directions).
• Get directions (for).

Notes

• As a proper noun, "MapQuest" is typically capitalized. The verb form, arising from common usage, is often seen in lowercase ("to mapquest").
• This is an example of a trademark becoming a common verb through widespread use, though the primary meaning remains tied to the specific MapQuest service.

Noun

1. a free, widely-used Web Map Server

Verb

1. search for a location and directions by means of the MapQuest program
   • you can just mapquest the restaurant