Pedestrian

/pəˈdɛstəriən/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person who travels on foot.
Pedestrians are advised to use sidewalks to avoid traffic.
A person who is walking, especially in an urban environment.
The city installed new crosswalks to improve safety for pedestrians.
adjective
Lacking inspiration or excitement; dull.
The lecture was so pedestrian that several students fell asleep.
Relating to or designed for people who are walking.
The pedestrian area of the town is filled with shops and cafes.

Etymology

From Latin 'pedestrianus', from 'pēs', meaning foot.

Common Phrases and Expressions

pedestrian traffic
The flow of people walking in a given area.
pedestrian bridge
A bridge designed for foot traffic exclusively.
pedestrian zone
An area where motor vehicles are restricted or prohibited.

Related Words

biped
An animal that walks on two feet.
pedestrianize
To make an area more suitable for pedestrians.
pedestrianism
The practice of walking, especially for exercise or sport.

Slang Meanings

Dull or unoriginal.
That movie was so pedestrian, I almost fell asleep.
Common or average.
His art style is completely pedestrian; I've seen it all before.