Definition of "tarmac" in English

noun

1. Tarmacadam.

2. (loosely, UK, Ireland, Canada) Any bituminous road surfacing material.

3. (UK, Ireland, Canada) The driveable surface of a road.

4. (informal, aviation) The area of an airport, other than the runway, where planes park or maneuver.

verb

1. (British, Canada) To pave with tarmacadam or a similar material.

   • Residents in Bolton are angry after workmen tarmaced only one half of their road leaving the other half strewn with potholes.

2. (aviation) To spend time idling on a runway, usually waiting for takeoff clearance.