asphalt

1 of 2

noun

as·​phalt ˈas-ˌfȯlt How to pronounce asphalt (audio)
 also  ˈash-,
 especially British  -ˌfalt
variants or less commonly asphaltum
as-ˈfȯl-təm How to pronounce asphalt (audio)
 especially British  -ˈfal-
1
: a dark bituminous substance that is found in natural beds and is also obtained as a residue in petroleum refining and that consists chiefly of hydrocarbons
2
: an asphaltic composition used for pavements and as a waterproof cement
asphaltic
as-ˈfȯl-tik How to pronounce asphalt (audio)
 especially British  -ˈfal-
adjective

asphalt

2 of 2

verb

asphalted; asphalting; asphalts

transitive verb

: to cover with asphalt : pave sense 1

Examples of asphalt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Wetlands and rivers have been replaced with concrete and asphalt. Laura Paddison, CNN, 25 Feb. 2024 But due to warmer air sitting just above ground level, branches and cables are not as cold as the concrete and asphalt below, so Melo said they’ll be spared this time around. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 The soil contained wood, concrete asphalt, metal, plastic and liquids, according to a soil investigation report referenced in the complaint. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2024 In addition, drying such a massive piece of asphalt takes at least 90 minutes, and likely more than two hours because of the cloud cover. John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2024 The added warmth from the asphalt heated by the sun and any moisture that enters the crack allows some seeds to sprout. Melinda Myers, Journal Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2024 Many cities across the U.S. — including New York, Miami and Austin — have adopted climate action and resilience plans that use trees as a defense against the broiling stone and asphalt that raise temperatures in urban areas. Dorany Pineda, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 Other aspects of this project include replacing any lights that no longer work, repairing concrete, resurfacing pavement with a fresh layer of asphalt and installing new signs that can be easily read while driving at night. The Enquirer, 3 Mar. 2024 Back on asphalt, the Rover’s newfound agility flows from another wellspring of tech. Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2024
Verb
As is typical behavior for the animals, the majority of holes are in fairly close proximity to the pond, but Hart noticed one of particular concern which seemed to be leading to a burrow beneath the parks asphalt walking track. Patrick Camp The Cullman Times, al, 7 July 2023 In the pasture nearby, her Irish sport horse, Valhalla, rolled on its back contentedly, as Ms. Uhlar enumerated the roads lost to asphalt during her lifetime. Jim Zarroli, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2023 Away's trend-setting polycarbonate shell still holds up in its large checked bag, which comes in a dozen shades from blush pink to asphalt gray and sky blue. Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2022 And there are series for dirt, asphalt oval, and road course. Ezra Dyer, Car and Driver, 2 Oct. 2022 Kids are at risk too, thanks to asphalt schoolyards that can hit 145 degrees in the San Fernando Valley, Alejandra Reyes-Velarde reports. Sammy Rothstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2022 Lined with wood chips and bark dust, the 4.4-mile loop was inspired by Prefontaine, who suggested the idea of building a trail with an alternate surface to asphalt in the park after competing in Europe. oregonlive, 18 July 2022 On one occasion, Warner lied about the square footage and asphalt depth on an airport roadway project, creating and later approving a $938,000 bill from the subcontractor, who had only invoiced for $275,000. Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 11 Feb. 2022 City Council is expected to soon approve numerous service department expenditures, including a brand-new chipper ($59,280), leaf vacuums ($149,465) and asphalt recycler with hot box trailer ($33,348). John Benson, cleveland, 23 June 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'asphalt.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English aspalt, from Late Latin aspaltus, from Greek asphaltos

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of asphalt was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near asphalt

Cite this Entry

“Asphalt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asphalt. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

asphalt

1 of 2 noun
as·​phalt ˈas-ˌfȯlt How to pronounce asphalt (audio)
1
: a brown to black substance that is found in natural beds or obtained as something left in petroleum or coal-tar refining and that consists chiefly of compounds of carbon and hydrogen
2
: any of various compositions of asphalt having different uses (as for pavement or for waterproof cement or paint)
asphaltic adjective

asphalt

2 of 2 verb
: to cover with asphalt

More from Merriam-Webster on asphalt

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