What is "parking lot"

n. 1 (context North America English) An open area, generally paved, where automobiles may be left when not in use. 2 (context US figuratively English) A major thruway blocked by stop and go traffic.

n. a lot where cars are parked [syn: car park, park, parking area]

A parking lot ( Australian and British English: car park), also known as a car lot, is a cleared area that is intended for parking vehicles. Usually, the term refers to a dedicated area that has been provided with a durable or semi-durable surface. In most countries where cars are the dominant mode of transportation, parking lots are a feature of every city and suburban area. Shopping malls, sports stadiums, megachurches and similar venues often feature parking lots of immense area.

Parking lots tend to be sources of water pollution because of their extensive impervious surfaces. Most existing lots have limited or no facilities to control runoff. Many areas today also require minimum landscaping in parking lots, which means that their paved surfaces contribute to heat islands. Many municipalities require a minimum number of parking spaces, depending on the floor area in a store or the number of bedrooms in an apartment complex. In the United States, each state's Department of Transportation sets the proper ratio for disabled spaces for private business and public parking lots. Various forms of technology are used to charge motorists for the use of a parking lot. Modern parking lots use a variety of technologies to help motorists find unoccupied parking spaces, retrieve their vehicles, and improve their experience.

"Parking Lot" is a song by Canadian recording artist Nelly Furtado, taken from her fifth studio album, The Spirit Indestructible (2012). The song was written by Furtado and co-written and produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, who also produced her two previous singles " Big Hoops" and " Spirit Indestructible". It was released as the third single from the album on September 17, 2012.

It is an upbeat, mid-tempo song, featuring marching band, strong drums, sing-along chants, and a cowbell in the background. The song received favorable from music critics, with some highlighting it as the best single from the album and commending her half-singing, half-rapping mode and called it a nostalgic track.

The music video was released on September 18, 2012, and it was directed by Ray Kay. The clip sees Furtado serving up funky dance moves with a crew of dancers. Those moves were compared to her 2006-2007 Loose era. It received positive reviews, with critics commending its visuals and her urban attitude.