walk
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɔːk/
US
- /ˈwɑk/
Meanings
Verb
to move on foot at a normal pace
to allow a batter to reach first base by pitching four balls
Noun
an act or period of walking, especially for exercise or pleasure
a base on balls in baseball
Beyond the definition
We all use this word from an early age. Most often, it means moving forward on your feet, whether you are going to school, crossing the street, or taking a slow trip through the park. It can describe everyday movement, exercise, or a pleasant outing, as in a morning walk or a long walk home.
But the word does more than that. You can walk a dog, walk someone home, or walk away from an argument or a bad deal. It can also mean helping someone step by step, as in "She walked me through the process." As a noun, it can name the trip itself or the way a person moves. In easy, natural English, it is one of those words that fits many parts of daily life.
The word "walk" mainly means moving on foot, one step at a time, at a normal pace. It is one of the most basic action words in English, and we use it in very ordinary sentences such as "She walked to school" or "We walked along the beach." It can suggest anything from a short everyday trip to a longer, more relaxing outing.
As a noun, "walk" can name the activity itself, the route, or the occasion: a walk in the park, a walk around the block, or a quiet evening walk. It can also describe a person's manner of moving, sometimes called their gait. In this sense, someone may have a slow walk, a confident walk, or a tired walk.
The word is also common in several extended meanings. You can walk a dog, which means taking it out on foot. You can walk someone home, meaning you go with them for safety or company. You can walk away from a fight, a job, or a deal, meaning you leave it behind. You can also walk someone through something, meaning you guide them step by step.
English uses this word in many fixed phrases and idioms too. If someone "walks the walk," they act in a way that matches what they say. If something is "a walk in the park," it is very easy. Because it connects physical movement with choices, habits, and progress, "walk" feels simple on the surface but reaches into many common parts of daily speech.
Examples
- 1
Commute
I usually walk to work if the weather is nice.
- 2
Going home
We walked home from the station after dinner.
- Phrasewalk home
go home on foot
- 3
Accompanying someone
I'll walk you to the bus stop.
- Patternwalk someone + place
go with them on foot
- 4
Dog care
She walks the dog in the park every morning.
- Phrasewalk the dog
take the dog outside and go with it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Exploring
We spent the afternoon walking around the old town.
- Phrasewalk around
move on foot in different parts of a place
- 6
No appointment
Customers can walk in without an appointment.
- Phrasewalk in
arrive without arranging a time first
- 7
Leaving suddenly
He walked out of the meeting when the argument started.
- Phrasewalk out
leave, often suddenly or because you are upset
- 8
Distance
It's only a ten-minute walk from here to the museum.
- Patterna + time period + walk
a distance you can walk in that time
- 9
Leisure
Let's go for a walk after lunch.
- 10
Instructions
The technician walked me through the setup process.
- Patternwalk someone through + process
explain it step by step
- 11
Career choice
She walked away from a well-paid job to start her own business.
- Patternwalk away from + opportunity/responsibility
leave it or give it up
- 12
Conflict avoidance
Ever since their argument, I've been walking on eggshells around him.
- Phrasewalk on eggshells
be very careful not to upset someone
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- walknounverb
Forms
- walking-ing formverbnoun
- walkedpast tenseverbnoun
- walkspluralnounverb