blacktop
UK: ˈblaktɒp | US: ˈblækˌtɑp
n. A type of road surface made of asphalt mixed with crushed stone or gravel.
vt. To pave or cover with blacktop.
The word "blacktop" is a straightforward compound of "black" (referring to the dark color of asphalt) and "top" (indicating the surface layer). It emerged in the early 20th century in American English to describe the asphalt-based paving material widely used for roads and driveways. The term highlights the visual and functional characteristics of the material—its dark appearance and its role as the outermost layer of a paved surface.
The city plans to blacktop the parking lot next month.
The children rode their bikes on the smooth blacktop.
Over time, the blacktop cracked due to extreme weather.
The schoolyard was covered with fresh blacktop.
Workers used heavy machinery to lay the blacktop efficiently.