What Is St? Understand Street Abbreviation

The abbreviation "St" is commonly used in addresses and geographical names, and it can be confusing for those who are not familiar with its meaning. In this context, "St" is an abbreviation for the word "Street". It is often used to shorten the name of a street in an address, making it more concise and easier to write or type.
Origins of the Abbreviation

The use of “St” as an abbreviation for “Street” dates back to the early days of urban planning and mapping. As cities grew and more streets were built, it became necessary to find a way to abbreviate long street names to make them more manageable on maps and in written documents. The abbreviation “St” was adopted as a standard way to shorten the word “Street”, and it has been used consistently in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Usage in Addresses
In addresses, “St” is often used in combination with a street name, such as “Main St” or “Elm St”. This abbreviation is commonly used in both formal and informal writing, and it is widely recognized and understood. However, it’s worth noting that some style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, recommend spelling out the word “Street” in full, especially in formal or academic writing.
Abbreviation | Meaning |
---|---|
St | Street |
Ave | Avenue |
Blvd | Boulevard |
Dr | Drive |

Other Abbreviations for Geographic Terms

In addition to “St”, there are many other abbreviations used for geographic terms, such as “Ave” for “Avenue”, “Blvd” for “Boulevard”, and “Dr” for “Drive”. These abbreviations are commonly used in addresses and on maps, and they help to save space and improve readability.
Examples of Geographic Abbreviations
Here are a few examples of geographic abbreviations in use:
- 123 Main St, Anytown, USA
- 456 Elm Ave, Othertown, Canada
- 789 Oak Blvd, Thistown, UK
- 901 Maple Dr, Thatown, Australia
These abbreviations are widely recognized and used in many countries, and they play an essential role in facilitating communication and navigation.
What does "St" stand for in an address?
+"St" is an abbreviation for the word "Street". It is commonly used in addresses to shorten the name of a street and make it more concise.
Are there other abbreviations for geographic terms?
+Yes, there are many other abbreviations for geographic terms, such as "Ave" for "Avenue", "Blvd" for "Boulevard", and "Dr" for "Drive". These abbreviations are commonly used in addresses and on maps.
In conclusion, the abbreviation “St” is a widely recognized and commonly used term that stands for “Street”. Its use in addresses and geographic names helps to facilitate communication and navigation, and it is an essential part of our everyday language.