WordGarden.iostation
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˈsteɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a place where trains, buses, or other public transport arrive and depart
a radio or television broadcaster or its channel
a place or building set up for a particular service, activity, or operation
More meaningsFewer meanings
a person's social rank or standing
Verb
to place or assign someone somewhere for a purpose or duty
Beyond the definition
A station isn't just where trains pull up. It is a place set aside for a special purpose, or a point where people stop, work, or provide a service. Think of a fire station full of activity, or a radio station sending music across the airwaves. You might stop at a gas station on a long drive or plug in at a charging station for your electric car.
The word comes from the Latin statio, meaning "a standing place." It often suggests a point of pause, service, or duty. This is why a police station is where officers are "stationed" and ready to respond. Whether it is a nursing station in a hospital or a gas station on a highway, the word usually points to a place that serves a clear function.
The word "station" refers to a place or position where people or things are located for a particular purpose. While we often think of train stations—bustling hubs of travel and connection—the meaning is far broader.
A station is typically a physical location, such as a fire station, police station, gas station, or weather station, each dedicated to specific services. It is the central point where activity related to that purpose happens. For example: "The firefighters raced from the station to battle the blaze."
But "station" isn't limited to brick-and-mortar buildings. A radio station broadcasts signals, and a television station transmits programs. Looking even further up, space stations serve as orbiting laboratories for scientific research.
Figuratively, "station" can refer to a person's social position or rank. If someone says, "She rose to a high station within the company," they are talking about her status. Historically, this referred to a person's fixed place in society. This sense survives in the idiom "above one's station," used to describe someone acting as if they hold a higher social or professional rank.
So, whether it is a physical location, a broadcasting hub, a military post, or a societal role, a station represents a fixed point of purpose, duty, and activity.
Examples
- 1
Meeting place
I'll meet you outside the station at six.
- 2
Train stops
Does this train stop at every station on the line?
- 3
Police report
We went to the police station to report the theft.
- 4
Fuel stop
There’s a gas station just off the highway.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Broadcasting
She works for a local radio station.
- 6
Space travel
Astronauts on the space station exercise every day.
- 7
Military placement
About 200 soldiers were stationed near the border.
- Patternbe stationed + place
be sent to work and stay there, especially in the military
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- interchange
- transit center
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- train station
- bus station
- station platform
- leave the station
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- stationnounverb
Forms
- stationspluralnounverb
- stationedpast tenseverbnoun
- stationing-ing formverbnoun