terminal
TUR-mi-nuhl
/ˈtɜːmɪnl/
A large building or station where transit journeys begin or end.
Refers to the end of a line or major central hub handling incoming and outgoing lines.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'terminus', meaning 'boundary mark or boundary stone'. Named after Terminus, the Roman deity of land boundaries. Applied to transit to mark where a route officially terminates.
Word relationships
- depot: 'Depot' often refers to storage/maintenance facilities, whereas 'terminal' serves active passenger transit.
Commonly confused with
- platform: A terminal is the entire building structure; a platform is the specific spot beside the tracks.
Word family
- terminate (verb): To bring to an end or stop.
Collocations
- bus terminal
- passenger terminal
- ferry terminal
- terminal station
Example sentences
- "The bus completed its journey and pulled into the central terminal." Bus destination
- "Passengers were transferred to Terminal 2 via an automated shuttle train." Airport infrastructure
Memory hook
A TERMINAL is where transport lines TERMINATE. The end of the line.
When not to use
Do not use for minor mid-route bus stops.
Fun facts
- Grand Central Terminal in New York is the world's largest train station by number of platforms.
Explore more words
concourse, transit, destination, departure, station, metropolis
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