zebra crossing
Noun: A zebra crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing on a road, typically marked by a series of broad, parallel white stripes (resembling the stripes of a zebra). At this crossing, pedestrians have the legal right of way to cross the street, and drivers are required to stop and yield to them.
A zebra crossing is used to refer to the specific, marked area on the road surface designated for pedestrians to cross safely. - Drivers must stop for pedestrians waiting at a zebra crossing. - The school installed a new zebra crossing near the main entrance. - Always look both ways before stepping onto a zebra crossing.
- At a zebra crossing: Used to specify the location of an action.
- The children were taught to wait at the zebra crossing until the cars had stopped.
- Marked by a zebra crossing: Used to describe a road feature.
- The busy junction is now marked by a zebra crossing and flashing warning lights.
- Pedestrian crossing (n): The general term for any designated place where pedestrians can cross a road, which includes zebra crossings, pelican crossings (signal-controlled), etc.
- Crosswalk (n): The American English equivalent term for a pedestrian crossing, which may or may not be marked with zebra-style stripes.
- Pedestrian crossing (the broader category)
- Crosswalk (primarily US English)
- To use a zebra crossing: The act of crossing the road at this designated spot.
- It's safer to use the zebra crossing than to jaywalk.
- To approach a zebra crossing: How a driver nears this road feature.
- You should slow down when you approach a zebra crossing.
The term originates from the distinctive black and white striped pattern painted on the road, which is visually similar to the animal's coat. It is a standard term in British English and other Commonwealth countries. In many jurisdictions, the rules are reinforced by "Belisha beacons" (flashing orange globes on black and white posts) at each end of the crossing.
- street crossing where pedestrians have right of way; often marked in some way (especially with diagonal stripes)