Macadam means: The surface of a road consisting of layers of crushed stone (usually tar-coated for modern traffic).. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
macadam
(uncountable) The surface of a road consisting of layers of crushed stone (usually tar-coated for modern traffic).
Definitions
#1·Apr 27, 2026
(uncountable) The surface of a road consisting of layers of crushed stone (usually tar-coated for modern traffic).
Origin: , who invented the process of macadamization. Used for describing road surfaces originally constructed using the McAdam method, but now sometimes used for any road or street. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents
Macadam means: The surface of a road consisting of layers of crushed stone (usually tar-coated for modern traffic).. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
For ESL learners
macadam means: The surface of a road consisting of layers of crushed stone (usually tar-coated for modern traffic).. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
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#2·Apr 27, 2026
(US, dated, countable) Any road or street.
Cluster: general
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#3·Apr 27, 2026
(transitive) To cover or surface with macadam.
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For specific readers
Why is this section here?
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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Other words near "macadam" (M)
mabelamabeleMa BellMaboMABSMACmacadamizationmacammac and cheesemacaroni cheesemacaroni dressmacaroni pudding
Browse all slang words starting with M.