parallel parking

parallel parking (usually uncountable, plural parallel parkings)

1. The action of parking a vehicle with its side parallel to the curb or the side of the road and facing in the direction of the traffic in the adjacent lane.
   • 1915 August 19, The Automobile, volume 33, page 356:

     Requiring parallel parking at the curb for all vehicles of the delivery type.

2. A driving technique that facilitates such parking.
   • 1935 September, National Highway Users Conference, “Scholarships Are Awarded in Road-e-o Event”, in Highway Highlights, page 5:

     ... involving straight line driving, maneuvering in close quarters, parallel parking and smooth stopping.

   • 2013, Richard Paine, “Parallel parking reference points”, in Driving test tips‎, retrieved 2013-03-8:

     The parallel parking or reverse parking manoeuvre is known for being one of the most difficult and as a result, fails a great many driving tests.

3. A space at the side of the road where such parking is allowed.
   • 1938, Oscar M. Gunderson, “Traffic Safety Program of the Michigan State Police”, in University of Michigan Official Publication, volume 40, page 182:

     In parking, the applicant is required to maneuver his car into a parallel parking space 1 1/2 car lengths long.

   • 2011, R. V. Raikar, Elements of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, →ISBN, page 19:

     Parking lanes are provided in urban lanes for side parking. Parallel parking is preferred to perpendicular and oblique because it is safe for vehicles moving on the road.