A promenade is a leisurely walk taken for pleasure, often in a public place where people can see and be seen. When families take an evening promenade along the beach boardwalk, they're strolling slowly, enjoying the ocean breeze and each other's company, not rushing to get anywhere.

The word also refers to the actual place where people walk: a wide pathway or area designed specifically for strolling. Seaside towns often have promenades along the waterfront with benches, ice cream shops, and views of the water. These walkways became popular in the 1800s, when taking a promenade was a fashionable social activity.

As a verb, promenade means to take a leisurely walk or to walk in a way that shows you want to be noticed. In square dancing and other formal dances, a promenade is a specific movement where partners walk together around the dance floor, often hand in hand. The caller might shout “Promenade home!” and all the dancers walk in a circle back to their starting positions.

The word captures something important about the difference between walking with purpose and walking for pleasure. You don't promenade to the principal's office when you're in trouble, but you might promenade through a park on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, taking your time and noticing everything around you.