1. 1. (Abbr. St.) A public way or thoroughfare in a city or town, usually with a sidewalk or sidewalks.
   2. Such a public way considered apart from the sidewalks: Don't play in the street.
   3. A public way or road along with the houses or buildings abutting it: lives on a quiet street.
2. The people living, working, or habitually gathering in or along a street: The whole street protested the new parking regulations.
3. Street A district, such as Wall Street in New York City, that is identified with a specific profession. Often used with the.
4. The streets of a city viewed as the scene of crime, poverty, or dereliction.
5. The common public viewed as a repository of public attitudes and understanding.

1. Near or giving passage to a street: a street door.
2. 1. Taking place in the street: a street brawl; street crime.
   2. Living or making a living on the streets: street people; a street vendor.
   3. Performing on the street: street musicians; a street juggler.
   4. Crude; vulgar: street language; street humor.
3. Appropriate for wear or use in public: street clothes.

on (or in) the street

1. Without a job; idle.
2. Without a home; homeless.
3. Out of prison; at liberty.

[Middle English strete, from Old English strǣt, strēt, from Late Latin strāta, paved road, from Latin, feminine past participle of sternere, to stretch, extend, pave.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.