lane
UK: leɪn | US: leɪn
n. a narrow road or path, often in rural areas
n. a marked division of a road for a single line of vehicles
n. (sports) a division of a track or swimming pool for a competitor
The word "lane" traces back to Old English lanu, meaning "a narrow way, a path." It shares roots with Old Frisian lana and Old Norse lǫn, all referring to a passage or roadway. Over time, the spelling simplified to "lane," retaining its core meaning of a confined path, whether in rural settings, urban roads, or sports tracks. The silent "e" is a remnant of Middle English spelling conventions.
The cottage was nestled at the end of a quiet country lane.
Stay in your lane while driving on the highway.
She won the race by swimming steadily in her designated lane.
Bicycles often share narrow lanes with cars in this city.
The hiking trail branched into a smaller lane leading to the waterfall.