street sign

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street sign

A pedestrian reads a street sign at the corner.

Definition

Noun: A street sign is a signpost or placard placed in a public area, typically at an intersection or along a road, that is designed to be seen by people using the street. Its primary function is to convey official information, most commonly the name of the street.

Usage

A street sign is a piece of public infrastructure. It is used to identify locations, provide directions, and ensure the orderly navigation of roads and pathways. The information on a street sign is authoritative and standardized.

Examples
  • The street sign at the corner was bent, making it hard to read the name of the avenue.
  • Before GPS, drivers relied heavily on reading street signs to find their way in a new city.
  • The city council voted to replace all the old street signs with new, reflective ones for better nighttime visibility.
Advanced Usage
  • As a landmark: A distinctive street sign can serve as a meeting point or a way to describe a location.
    • "Wait for me by the street sign for Elm Street and 5th Avenue."
  • In legal or administrative contexts: The presence and correctness of a street sign can be important for official purposes, such as defining jurisdictions or validating addresses.
    • "The delivery was delayed because the street sign was missing, and the driver couldn't confirm the address."
Variants and Related Words
  • Road sign: A broader category that includes street signs but also encompasses signs for speed limits, warnings, highway directions, and other traffic regulations.
  • Signpost: A general term for a post bearing a sign, often used interchangeably with "street sign," but can also refer to signs on trails or in non-urban settings.
  • Plaque: A flat, often decorative plate with an inscription. While some historical street names may be on plaques, a standard street sign is not typically called a plaque.
Synonyms
  • Street nameplate
  • Road name sign
Related Phrases
  • To look for a street sign: The act of searching for visual guidance while navigating.
    • "I spent ten minutes driving slowly and looking for a street sign."
  • Missing street sign: Describes a sign that has been removed, damaged, or never installed, creating a navigational hazard.
    • "The intersection is dangerous because of the missing street sign."
street sign

A pedestrian reads a street sign at the corner.

Noun
  1. a sign visible from the street