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woonerf

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈwuːnərf/

KK: /ˈwuːnərf/

noun
Definition

A type of street designed to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, often featuring traffic calming measures to slow down vehicles.


Example

The city implemented a woonerf to create a safer environment for families and cyclists.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever walked through a woonerf before?
Sloth B
Yeah, I love how it feels so safe for pedestrians and cyclists.
Sloth A
Right? It's nice to see people enjoying the street without worrying about cars.
Sloth B
Exactly, it really changes the vibe of the neighborhood.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sharedspace
pedestrian
bikeway
Antonyms
highway
motorway
expressway
Root Explanation

Woonerf is a term derived from Dutch, where 'wonen' means 'to live' and 'erf' means 'yard' or 'property'. The word refers to a living street designed to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists over cars, creating a shared space for community interaction.

Memory Tip

Think of 'living' ('wonen') in a 'yard' or 'property' ('erf') — this helps you remember that a woonerf is a space designed for people to live and interact safely.

Visually Confused Words
wooer
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