promenade

[ prom-uh-neyd, -nahd ]

noun

1. a stroll or walk, especially in a public place, as for pleasure or display.
2. an area used for such walking.
3. a march of guests into a ballroom constituting the opening of a formal ball.
4. a march of dancers in square dancing.
5. a formal dance; prom.

verb (used without object)

, prom·e·nad·ed, prom·e·nad·ing.

1. to go for or take part in a promenade.
2. to execute a promenade in square dancing.

verb (used with object)

, prom·e·nad·ed, prom·e·nad·ing.

1. to take a promenade through or about.
2. to conduct or display in or as if in a promenade; parade:

   They promenaded their prisoner before the townspeople.

promenade

/ ˌprɒməˈnɑːd /

noun

1. a public walk, esp at a seaside resort
2. a leisurely walk, esp one in a public place for pleasure or display
3. a ball or formal dance at a high school or college
4. a marchlike step in dancing
5. a marching sequence in a square or country dance

verb

1. to take a promenade in or through (a place)
2. intr dancing to perform a promenade
3. tr to display or exhibit (someone or oneself) on or as if on a promenade

Derived Forms

• ˌpromeˈnader, noun

Other Words From

• prome·nader noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of promenade¹

1560–70; < French, derivative of promener to lead out, take for a walk or airing < Latin promināre to drive (beasts) forward ( prō- pro- ¹ + mināre to drive); -ade ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of promenade¹

C16: from French, from promener to lead out for a walk, from Late Latin prōmināre to drive (cattle) along, from pro- ¹+ mināre to drive, probably from minārī to threaten

Example Sentences

As he spoke, a steady rain pattered on the promenade facing Portland, just across the Columbia River.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, turn south and choose your own adventure: Hike on the shore or the paved promenade.

From Los Angeles Times

Meadows left the scene but was arrested by police further down the promenade shortly after 21:45.

From BBC

Those who didn’t find space with family or hastily prepared shelters now camp out in public squares, parks and even on sidewalks along Beirut’s famous beach promenade.

From Los Angeles Times

Thousands who fled devastated areas spent the night outdoors, huddling where they could in parks, squares and on walkways near the seafront promenade.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boardwalk
• deck
• mall