park‧ing S3 /ˈpɑːkɪŋ $ ˈpɑːr-/
noun [uncountable]1. the act of parking a car or other vehicle:
No Parking (=used on signs)
a £45 parking fineparking space/place/spot
I couldn’t find a parking space near the shops.2. spaces in which you can leave a car or other vehicle:
Free parking is available at the hotel. [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲
parkingnoun1.
BAD: The car was parking outside the flat all night.
GOOD: The car was parked outside the flat all night.
Usage Note:Use
park when you are talking about what a driver does: 'You're not allowed to park (your car) in the city centre.' 'Where've you parked (your car)?'
To talk about a vehicle that has been left somewhere and is not moving, use
parked : 'That Ford van has been parked there for over a week.' 'The street is always full of parked cars.'
2.
BAD: It took me an hour to find a parking.
GOOD: It took me an hour to find a parking space.
BAD: What the town needs is an underground parking.
GOOD: What the town needs is underground parking.
GOOD: What the town needs is an underground car park.
Usage Note:a parking space/place = a place in a street, car park etc where a vehicle can be left: 'My first attempt to back into the parking space was a disaster.'
a car park (AmE
parking lot ) = a large open area or building where cars can be left: 'The supermarket has its own car park.'
parking (uncountable noun) = space(s) where vehicles can be left: 'Parking is available at Whitefriars Street.' 'There's ample parking in front of the hotel.'
[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲