HOV lane

noun

1. a highway or street lane for high-occupancy vehicles, usually marked with large diamond shapes on the pavement.

Word History and Origins

Origin of HOV lane¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Young’s recent issues began on Sept. 12, when he got into an argument with a motorist in the HOV lane on the 405 Freeway, records show.

From Los Angeles Times

They took the next off-ramp and circled back, slowing to about 30 mph in the HOV lane with the car’s hazard lights on.

From Los Angeles Times

Only the left northbound HOV lane, south of 272nd Street, was open as of 12:30 p.m., causing traffic to back up about two miles, the Washington Department of Transportation said.

From Seattle Times

Kevin Watt told local CBS affiliate KPHO-TV that once he arrived, the bull “was just standing in the HOV lane staring at me. I had my sirens going, everything I could to scare him off the roadway, but he seemed like he wanted to take me on. He kind of dipped his head and made it seem like he wanted to challenge me.”

From Washington Times

I’d had a flat tire and was parked on the shoulder of the HOV lane with only inches to spare from the oncoming traffic.

From Seattle Times