terminal

word

/ˈtɝmənəɫ/
TUR-muh-nuhl
/tˈɜːmɪnəl/
TUR-mi-nuhl

Definition

A terminal is the end point of a route or transport system, such as in a bus station or airport. It can also mean a computer screen/device used to enter commands, and in formal contexts it can mean final or at the end.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly used for transport: 'bus terminal', 'airport terminal'. In tech, 'open a terminal' means open a command-line window. As an adjective, it is more formal: 'terminal illness' means a disease expected to cause death, which is a separate serious medical use learners should recognize.

Example Sentences

Our flight leaves from Terminal 2.

basic

He typed the command into the terminal.

basic

We waited at the terminal for the bus.

basic

Meet me outside the terminal after you land.

natural

I can't log in — the terminal keeps freezing.

natural

The doctor said the cancer is terminal.

natural